TRAFFIC ALERT: If you use the Piikoi on-ramp, be prepared for big changes

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Come July 30, the state will start closing the Piikoi on-ramp on the H-1 Freeway eastbound during peak afternoon travel times.

The idea: Shut down a key congestion point to help traffic flow more smoothly.

The decision to proceed with the closure came in the wake of a study conducted last year.

Drivers got a taste of the closure for two weeks last April, when the state closed the on-ramp around the clock to study traffic flow.

During that time, officials noted the closure saved drivers six minutes while going east on the freeway just before the Punahou off-ramp — one of the most congested areas during rush hour. During the morning commute, the closure saved drivers one minute.

"In researching the data, closing the on-ramp will save people valuable time during the afternoon commute, however not enough time would be saved to justify the closure during the morning hours at this time," Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay said.

The weekday closures will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

They'll be in place for a six-month trial period, during which time the department will analyze the impact and make any needed changes.

To read the full report of the study, click here.