Construction on the columns and foundations for the first elevated section of the city’s $5.3 billion rail system will begin in West Oahu on Monday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced this afternoon.

Contractor Kiewit InfrastructureWest Co. was given the go-ahead to begin drilling for the concrete foundation shafts and support columns in East Kapolei near Farrington Highway, in the area of the western end of the first leg of the 20-mile route.

"This significant milestone for the rail project moves us closer to providing Oahu residents with an alternative to sitting in horrific traffic congestion," said Dan Grabauskas, HART’s executive director and CEO.

Carrie Okinaga, HART Board Chairwoman, said keeping the project on schedule is "critical to keeping our costs within budget."

The columns will be constructed parallel to Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (former North-South Road) to Fort Weaver Road.

Preliminary work along the Farrington Highway corridor actually began in April 2011 with the relocating of utilities.

The first half of the rail line, from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium, is expected to be completed by the end of 2015 or beginning of 2016.

The entire route, running to Ala Moana Center, is slated to be done in 2019.

For updates on construction work days and times, as well as more project details, go to the project web site at www.honolulutransit.org, or call 566-2299.