Administration

HONOLULU – As part of the annual “Beat the School Jam” campaign, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) detailed the implementation of several projects that will help alleviate traffic. It continues the HDOT focus on safety and system preservation projects that use far less money and time to finish.

“We are committed to working within our budget to find solutions that help relieve traffic across the state,” said Ford Fuchigami, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director. “We also encourage drivers to help themselves by planning ahead and using traffic websites and applications in order to map out the best route for their commute. Knowing what current conditions are ahead can save time and help prevent frustration.”

As part of Governor David Ige’s initiative to reduce traffic, HDOT is implementing several improvements designed to keep motorists moving. Below is a list of projects that have been implemented prior to the start of the Beat the School Jam.

Shoulder Lane in Kunia

The new shoulder lane on the H-1 Freeway eastbound from Kualakai Parkway onramp to the Kunia/Waipahu/Ewa (Exit 5) offramp is now available to morning commuters. The shoulder will add another lane of travel on weekday mornings from 5 – 9 a.m. excluding holidays. The shoulder will help get those traveling to Kunia, Waipahu and Ewa off the freeway and on to their destination faster. A separate news release can be found at:

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2016/08/15/new-shoulder-lane-on-h-1-freeway-eastbound-will-benefit-leeward-oahu-commuters/

Second Zipper lane added

The Zipper lane now accommodates two lanes of traffic from the H1/H2 merge to the Pearl Harbor area. The improvement expects to add 20 percent more volume within the Zipper lane which will help carpool vehicles move more efficiently, while also reducing the amount of vehicles in the single occupancy lanes. The Zipper lane hours have been extended 30 minutes and is now available from 5:30 – 9 a.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

Farrington Highway Contraflow

The pilot initiative aims to add an additional lane in the westbound direction during the busy afternoon commute between 3:30 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The 1.5-mile contraflow operation begins at Piliokahi Avenue and ends in the vicinity of Nanaikeola Street. During the contraflow hours there will be three Waianae bound lanes that are open to all drivers including single occupancy vehicles that will help get vehicles through the bottleneck in Nanakuli. HDOT will continue to monitor the operation and adjust as needed to increase efficiency. A separate news release can be found at:

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2016/08/08/new-farrington-highway-contraflow-lane-to-help-ease-leeward-oahu-traffic/

HOV Adjustments

HDOT assessed the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours and adjusted the times throughout Oahu to match traffic patterns and boost efficiency. In some cases, HOV hours were extended. In other areas HOV hours were removed and the lane was made available for single occupancy vehicles. For more details please see the previous news release:

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/hov-hours-extended-for-specific-routes-other-hov-lanes-converted-to-single-occupancy/

Beat the School Jam

As it has in the past HDOT will suspend construction-related road closures during daylight hours on major highways from Aug. 22 through Aug. 26 to alleviate traffic congestion during the week when more than 53,000 university, college, and private school students begin their fall semesters.

During the daytime construction break at the start of the school year, emergency closures, nighttime construction, and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled.

The Beat the School Jam campaign includes radio commercials that will air during the morning and evening commutes reminding people to plan ahead, consider carpooling or public transportation and watch out for children walking or biking to school. Most importantly, drive smart and safe. On average children are involved in 109 pedestrian and 48 bicycling accidents a year in Hawaii.[1]

People have the power of information in their hands. With a little pre-planning drivers can see what traffic conditions are ahead of them before they start driving. The GoAkamai.org website and app are available to provide up to the minute traffic conditions. It also has MyGoAkamai, which is a free personalized alerting service to your specific route with freeway alerts such as accidents, construction or other lane closure information. Whether traveling a short distance or across the island, people should check conditions before every trip to plan the best route.

Simply register at www.GoAkamai.org for this free service. The registration process for MyGoAkamai allows users to select from a number of predefined trips, identify the types of events that are of particular interest, decide when alerts should be sent, and whether they are to be received by email or text. GoAkamai is able to support users, whether they’re accessing it on their desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Whether using GoAkamai.org or any of the other free traffic tools and applications available, HDOT strongly encourages drivers plan ahead and look at traffic conditions before starting their vehicle.

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 22, motorists are advised to adjust their commute times accordingly to avoid peak travel periods and are reminded to properly maintain and inspect their vehicles to avoid becoming potential road hazards.

Transportation alternatives include biking to work, taking The Bus, and signing students up for public or private school buses. Carpooling or vanpooling with a neighbor, friend, coworker or classmate can also allow motorists to utilize both High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (two or more individuals per vehicle) on our state highways and freeways.

https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/01/HOV-Contraflow-Fact-Sheet.pdf

The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP), which has a 99 percent satisfaction level, will continue helping stranded motorists on the freeway system with free emergency roadside service. FSP trucks are on duty every weekday, except holidays, to provide services to keep traffic moving on the H-1, H-2, and H-201 Moanalua Freeways from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stranded motorists may call FSP at 841-HELP (4357). The link to FSP and its services is https://fsphawaii.com/

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[1]Accident information is based on a three year average from 2009-2011 for children younger than 18 years old involved in a major traffic accident as a pedestrian or bicyclist in Hawaii.