Waimanu Street is now open to two-way traffic between Pensacola and Pii­koi streets.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the two-way design, which opened Friday, should improve traffic around Ala Moana Center, through Kaka­ako and on Ala Moana Boulevard as well as provide direct access to businesses and residences.

"This project will benefit Oahu drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and bus and rail riders for years to come, with a complete streets design that will make traveling more pleasant for everyone," Caldwell said in a news release.

Traffic signals were modified at Pensacola and Pii­koi streets, and the mauka lane of Wai­manu Street was converted into a westbound lane with on-street parking.

General Growth Properties, the owner of Ala Moana Center, paid for the cost of converting Wai­manu Street.

The project, which started in September, was completed by Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. before the Christmas shopping rush.

Before the project, Wai­manu Street, between Pensacola and Pii­koi streets, was a four-lane, one-way, eastbound road.

With the change, motorists traveling makai (southbound) on Pii­koi Street may turn right onto Wai­manu Street. Motorists leaving Ala Moana Center may travel straight to Wai­manu Street via one lane. Mauka-bound (northbound) motorists on Pii­koi Street will not be able to make a left turn onto Wai­manu Street.