The lane closures on Nimitz Highway through 2030 for Honolulu rail construction are raising concerns not only about daily traffic but also about how the city will move people in the next evacuation emergency in the aftermath of last month’s tsunami-scare gridlock.

On Aug. 18, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and contractor Tutor Perini Corp. began 24/7 closures on Nimitz between Awa and Bishop streets. One lane in each direction along the center median is shut for the City Center Guideway and Stations project, leaving three lanes open each way. The work will affect thousands of commuters, pedestrians and businesses for years.

Retired University of Hawaii engineering professor Panos Prevedouros warned that the lane closures could be especially dangerous during an evacuation

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