The state will widen Kalaniana'ole Highway at the entrance to Hanauma Bay and build a left-turn lane under a $255,000 road construction project expected to begin in January.

The project also will include an acceleration lane for cars exiting the bay and heading town-bound. The improvements are necessary for the safety of visitors and residents going into Hanauma Bay, said Gov. Linda Lingle in a prepared statement.

Currently, motorists have to merge directly into oncoming traffic on Kalaniana'ole Highway when exiting the bay.

The project is expected to take three months to complete.