The Maui News - After several months of construction crews and orange traffic cones on Haleakala Highway, the $31.8 million project widened the highway from three to four lanes for a 5.5-mile stretch, from Hana Highway to the Pukalani bypass road. The second and final phase of the project, which was started in 2004, opened on Friday, Sept. 26, after a dedication ceremony. Drivers now have two new downhill lanes on the highway, in addition to new traffic signals at the Hali‘imaile and Keahua road intersections. Other improvements include a grass median, an emergency escape ramp and upgraded guardrails. Morning contraflow traffic was discontinued, so that drivers on old Haleakala Highway, who were previously able to “free flow” onto the highway during morning rush hour, will be required to stop before turning left to head downhill on Haleakala Highway. Uphill traffic will be allowed to stay on the highway instead of being diverted through Pukalani town. State Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka said the project should reduce traffic congestion. “At the end of the day, we hope to help each commuter spend more time at home with their families and less time sitting in traffic,” he said in a statement.