Zipper lane work to improve traffic congestion during peak hours, lane closures required

Posted on Jul 15, 2016 in Main, News

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be making improvements to the Zipper lane in order to add a second lane for drivers. This project follows Governor David Ige’s directive to make operational improvements that can be implemented quickly and enhance efficiency of the highway system.

Crews will make adjustments to widen the Zipper lane which will require restriping lane lines in certain sections. In order to make the adjustments, overnight and weekend lane closures will be necessary on the H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction beginning at Zip Hale, which is on the Airport Viaduct, and working west toward Waikele. Motorists should be advised of the following work schedule:

  • Monday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 20 – two left lanes closed from 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. from Zip Hale to Aloha Stadium
  • Thursday, July 21 – Saturday, July 23 – two left lanes closed at 9 p.m., then a third lane will close at 10:30 p.m. until 4 a.m. from Aloha Stadium to the Mahiko Place pedestrian overpass
  • Sunday, July 24 – Saturday, August 6 – two left lanes closed at 9 p.m., then a third lane will close at 10:30 p.m. until 4 a.m. from the Mahiko Place pedestrian overpass to the H-1/H-2 Freeway split

The work schedule is weather permitting and may be adjusted accordingly. In addition, the Zipper barriers may be deployed longer on weekdays in order to allow crews additional time to work safely behind the barriers.

The Zipper lane currently has four crossover sections for vehicles to enter. During the adjustment period entrance number four, at the Radford Drive overpass near Pearl Harbor, will be temporarily closed.

HDOT is working to have all the necessary improvements finished by the Back to School Jam at the end of August when university and private school students return to class. The estimated cost for the improvements is $1.5 million.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and drive with caution through the work zone. Lane closure information will be available on the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/. Updates are also released through our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.

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