Another week, another set of great questions.

It’s gotten to the point where even some of my friends have made it a habit to ask me about traffic-related issues, which can get annoying, but is also great because I’ll never run out of things to write about.

Question: I read your story about the fourth phase of the archaeological inventory surveys starting soon. The rail project seems to be a lot farther along than I thought! What exactly is happening with the project now?

Answer: I would gather that a vast majority of people out there do not exactly know where the project stands today, and where it could go tomorrow. So here’s a nice little wrap-up for you.

City crews are conducting soil sampling along Kamehameha Highway between Pearl City and Aloha Stadium to locate utilities in preparation of building phase 2 of the elevated guideway.

The work has begun along Kamehameha Highway between Kuala Street, just west of Pearl Highlands Center, and Kohomua Street, just south of Aloha Stadium. That work takes place from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The soil sampling will continue through April.

The city says one lane in each direction will be open at all times at the work areas along Kamehameha Highway, and promises that no side streets will be closed. Driveways will be accessible.

Utility relocation is about all the city can do at this point, until the Federal Transit Administration gives its OK. The city (for now) expects a full-funding grant agreement from the FTA in October 2012 at the latest.

As for the archaeological surveys, phases 1 and 2 (from West Kapolei to Aloha Stadium) have been completed. No burials were found. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has submitted archaeological inventory survey plans for phases 3 and 4, but city officials tell me that phase 4 is further along the process for approval.

City officials have said they wanted to expedite phase 4’s survey in light of community concerns about finding burials, especially in the Kakaako area. So that’s why phase 4 is starting sooner than most expected.

The last two regional town hall meetings on the project are Tuesday at Castle High School’s cafeteria and on Wednesday at the Blaisdell Center’s Maui Room. Both meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Q: I broke a bone while walking along a city sidewalk. My heel got caught in a crack. Is there a process where I can file a claim against the city? Is a lawsuit my only course of action?

A: Nope, you don’t have to sue the city right away. I’d recommend calling the city’s lawyers first at the Department of Corporation Counsel. You can call 768-5222 for paperwork for claims you want to file against the city.

Reach Gene Park at gpark@staradvertiser.com, or Twitter as @GenePark.