HECO moves large transformer across Oahu
Update: 3 p.m.
Hawaiian Electric Co. officials say their 80-ton transformer has arrived at its destination after traversing much of Oahu today.
The transformer traveled from the Ewa Nui Substation on Farrington Highway to the Koolau Substation on Kahiko Street. It arrived at the Koolau Substation just before 3 p.m.
Heco officials had warned that the slow-moving convoy under police escort would affect traffic as it traveled across Oahu.
Update: Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Electric Co.’s transport of a large transformer began a little later than planned this morning.
Early this afternoon, the slow-moving, 80-ton load was heading east on King Street. It continues on to Waialae Ave. next on its way to the Windward side and its final destination, the Koolau Substation on Kahiko Street.
Heco officials said if the convoy doesn’t reach it’s destination by 3 p.m., it will clear the road to avoid evening traffic, then restart after 6 p.m.
Previous coverage
Hawaiian Electric Co. plans to transport a large transformer from its Ewa Nui Substation on Farrington Highway to its Koolau Substation on Kahiko Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.
Due to the weight of the over-sized load, a contractor for HECO will need to travel through parts of Ewa, Pearl City, Salt Lake and downtown Honolulu on its way eastward to Hawaii Kai, through Waimanalo and Kailua to Kaneohe, company officials announced. They said motorists should expect brief traffic delays.
The route includes parts of Nimitz Highway, Vineyard Boulevard, Bishop Street, Waialae Avenue through Kaimuki and the Kahala Mall area, along Kalanianaole Highway around Makapuu Point, through Waimanalo and Kailua on to Kamehameha Highway.
HECO officials said the company needs to replace the Koolau Substation transformer, which is no longer operable.