USA: A traditional Hawaiian blessing officially marked the start of construction of the next section of the Honolulu Skyline automated light metro on August 11.
In August 2024 civil engineering company Tutor Perini was awarded a $1·66bn design and build contract for the City Center Guideway & Stations section, the third phase of the metro project managed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation.
This will extend the line 5·3 km southeast from Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center), adding six stations at Kalihi, Honolulu Community College-Kapālama, Iwilei, Chinatown, Downtown and Ka‘ākaukukui (Civic Center).
’Breaking ground on the third segment of Skyline is not just about building the infrastructure to bring the rail system into the downtown area’, explained Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. ’it’s about laying the foundation for the future of this island and developing sustainable transportation alternatives to serve neighbouring communities.’
Three phases
The 17·3 km first phase of the Skyline from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium in northwest Honolulu opened in 2023, serving nine stations.
Trial operation is now underway on the 8·5 km four-station second phase from the stadium via the airport to Middle Street Transit Centre, with opening planned for October 15 2025.
The City Center Guideway & Stations third phase to Civic Center is scheduled for completion by 2030.
The final 1·3 km section of the long-planned metro line from Civic Center to Ala Mona Center with one intermediate stop is currently unfunded.
