The state reopened the Hono-lulu-bound side of the Wilson Tunnels yesterday afternoon, four days ahead of schedule. It marked the end of a $13.8 million, two-month makeover that made major safety improvements in the tunnels.

"After the first tunnel closure (in July), the contractor got the hang of things and was able to finish ahead of time," said Scott Ishikawa, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

The tunnel was reopened at 2:45 p.m. yesterday.

In both the July (Kane'ohe-bound) and September (town-bound) phases, workers ripped out the 50-year-old concrete road bed and replaced it with one with grooves for better rainy-day traction.

The renovations also included fixing leaks, adding new drainage and putting new tiles on the sides of the tunnels.

Ishikawa said workers this week will repave a 200-foot stretch of asphalt roadway leading to the tunnel, which means the town-bound tunnel will be closed late at night for a few days.