Work is underway to fix street lights along the H1 and H2 Freeways that have been out for years, after they were hit by copper thieves.
Drivers weren’t sure they’d ever see the day, but the state says it’s finally happening.
"Finally it’s been as long as I can remember and you know it’s dark and dangerous," said Ashia Vincent, a concerned driver.
Transportation crews are beginning to replace copper wiring in the street lights along the H1 and H2 Freeways that were ripped off by copper thieves.
"Unfortunately we got hit by copper thieves not once, but twice, in both areas – a lot of money, a lot of money and we were hesitant to get back in there," said Dan Meisenzahl, from the State Department of Transportation.
It’s been more than four years since the freeway between Makakilo and Kunia and also between Waiawa and Wahiawa first went dark. The dark evening commute will see a change this summer.
The DOT says it’s not mandated to put lights along this stretch but it was something they felt needed to be done.
Driver AJ Jones is concerned about "visibility – other drivers will be able to see you if you’re driving a darker car. (For) overall safety that’s good; I’m glad they are actually concerned about that."
Crews will be fixing the street lights with new copper wiring. Both the DOT and drivers hope thieves won’t strike again.
"Hopefully it doesn’t get dark again. Somebody will steal the copper again and we’re back to square one," Vincent said.
"We really ask the public to help us: this isn’t our freeway, this is your freeway system – it’s paid for by your vehicle weight tax, registration and gas tax, and so we need everyone to keep a watchful eye on our infrastructure," Meisenzahl said.
"Maybe go steal somewhere else cause I want my street lights, please," Jones said.
Work is expected to run for the next three to fourth months. The total price tag is $3 million.
Drivers are advised that crews will work daily from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
