Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Railway Technology

The Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project represents a significant undertaking to address the escalating transportation challenges faced by Honolulu, Hawaii. Rapid population growth coupled with existing reliance on buses, boats, and private automobiles has resulted in severe traffic congestion, particularly along the east-west corridor. This project aims to alleviate this congestion, improve overall mobility, and provide a reliable, high-capacity public transit system for residents and visitors alike. The project’s multi-phased approach, encompassing detailed planning, rigorous technological evaluation, and substantial infrastructure development, serves as a case study in addressing complex urban transportation needs. This article will examine the project’s planning, technological selection, construction phases, and projected impact on the city’s transportation network.

Project Planning and Justification

The need for a comprehensive transit solution in Honolulu became increasingly evident with the city’s population growth and the resulting traffic congestion. The Oahu Regional Transportation Plan 2030 (ORTP 2030) identified the east-west corridor between Kapolei and the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a major bottleneck. A detailed environmental impact assessment evaluated various alternatives, including a “no-build” option, a transportation management system, express bus routes, and a fixed guideway transit system. The assessment conclusively determined that a fixed guideway system, specifically a rail transit system, offered the most cost-effective and sustainable long-term solution. This decision prioritized the needs of a diverse population, including low-income residents and the elderly, guaranteeing reliable and accessible transportation.

Technological Selection and System Design

In selecting the optimal technology for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP), a Request for Information (RFI) was issued to various companies. Alternative technologies—monorail, rubber-tired systems, steel-wheel/steel-rail systems, and urban maglev—were rigorously evaluated. After a comprehensive review process, a steel-wheel-on-steel-rail system was chosen for its proven reliability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for the project’s specific needs. The system design includes elevated guideways approximately 30 feet high (with station areas reaching 50 feet, including vertical circulation), supported by 6-foot diameter columns spaced roughly 150 feet apart. Stations are designed to be elevated and fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), featuring elevators and escalators for accessibility. Each station is approximately 270 feet long, located at roughly one-mile intervals. The system utilizes electricity generated from renewable sources, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

Construction Phases and Contracts

The HRTP is being implemented in phases. The initial segment, from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands, involved significant infrastructure work, including track construction, guideway viaduct construction, and surface restoration. Subsequent phases extend the line further towards Aloha Stadium, Middle Street Transit Center, and eventually to Ala Moana Center. Several key contracts were awarded during the project’s implementation: Ansaldo Honolulu secured a $574 million contract for the design, construction, delivery of 80 trains and the train control system, as well as operation and maintenance for 14 years. Kiewit Infrastructure won a $372 million contract for the elevated guideway construction. AECOM Technology Corporation also contributed, designing a 5.2-mile segment for $38.8 million. The project’s phased approach and strategic contracting ensured timely execution and efficient management of resources.

Project Impact and Conclusion

The Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project is anticipated to significantly impact the city’s transportation landscape. It is projected to reduce traffic congestion by 11% by 2030, removing an estimated 25,000 cars daily from Oahu’s roads. The system’s high capacity, with trains capable of carrying 300 passengers each and transporting over 6,000 people hourly, will offer a significant improvement in public transportation efficiency and accessibility. The creation of approximately 11,000 construction jobs, alongside increased state and city revenues, further underscores the project’s economic benefits. The project’s focus on accessibility and sustainability, with ADA-compliant stations and renewable energy powering the rail system, aligns with the city’s commitment to inclusive and environmentally responsible development. The project serves as a model for addressing the unique transportation challenges of rapidly growing urban areas by employing a multi-phased approach, careful technological selection, strategic contracting, and a focus on long-term sustainability and accessibility.

Company Information:

• Ansaldo Honolulu: A railway systems contractor responsible for the design, construction, delivery of trains and train control systems, and operation and maintenance.
• Kiewit Infrastructure: A construction company responsible for the elevated guideway construction.
• AECOM Technology Corporation: An engineering firm responsible for design work on segments of the project.
• Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART): The agency overseeing the Honolulu Rail Transit Project.