The Lingle administration yesterday released $800,000 to build a dedicated right-turn lane from Keahole Street onto Kalaniana'ole Highway.

The project will also add a new westbound lane on Kalaniana'ole Highway, from Keahole Street to Hawai'i Kai Drive. This lane will be used by vehicles from the new right-turn lane.

The federal government is contributing $2.3 million for the project, which has been requested by area residents to ease the morning commute.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September and be completed by July 2010. "This project will relieve congestion and increase safety at a very busy intersection along Kalaniana'ole Highway," Gov. Linda Lingle said in a news release.