The Hawaii Department of Transportation has completed work on the Leeward Bikeway, a 3.51-mile dedicated bike path connecting Philippine Sea Road in ‘Ewa to Waipahu Depot Street.

A dedication ceremony in November marked the official opening of the long-anticipated project.

Built along the former Oahu Railway & Land Company right-of-way, the bikeway links the West Loch Bike Path and the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail, providing a safer and more accessible option for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“The state is proud to support projects like the Leeward Bikeway, which have potential to improve the health of our communities,” Gov.Josh Green said in a news release. “The opening of the path also expands access for community members to the scenic, natural and historic resources of the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.”

The bikeway’s construction began in mid-2020 and was completed at a cost of $15.7 million. The project included significant infrastructure improvements, including new retaining walls, utility relocations and bridge replacements at Waikele and Kapakahi streams.

The path was paved with asphalt concrete and concrete posts were installed to block motorized vehicles. A new traffic signal was also installed at Leoku Street to ensure safe crossings for bikeway users.

“The Leeward Bikeway is a critical element to complete the statewide pedestrian, bicycle and transit network included in our Navahine settlement agreement,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen in the release. “We appreciate the support and kōkua of our partners, especially the Section 106 parties, as we worked to make this regional multimodal connection a reality.”