Construction of a new H-1 Freeway interchange giving motorists more direct and quicker access in and out of the Kapolei commercial/business district is expected to begin early next year and open by fall 2010.

The state Department of Transportation announced today that it awarded the construction contract for the first phase of the Kapolei Interchange Complex to Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. at a cost of $16.6 million.

The new interchange is expected to provide traffic relief for the downtown Kapolei area. Kamokila Boulevard and Farrington Highway are heavily congested, particularly during the noon hour.

Phase 1 of the interchange project will create new eastbound freeway on- and off-ramps at Kamokila and Wakea Street, between the Kapolei Theaters and Zippy's restaurant, as well as a new westbound freeway off-ramp near Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. A new westbound on-ramp at the Makakilo Interchange will also provide motorists with access to the H-1 Freeway from Makakilo Drive.

Phase 2 of the project will provide additions to the new Kapolei Interchange, including a concrete H-1 Freeway overpass, a westbound off-ramp from H-1 Freeway to Wakea, and a new westbound on-ramp onto Farrington Highway. Subsequent phases will include new on and off-ramps for the Palailai and Makakilo interchanges.

Bids for the first phase of the project ranged from $16.6 million to $22.3 million, according to the Department of Transportation.