Department of Transportation

HONOLULU — As part of the annual “Beat the School Jam” campaign, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today plans to postpone construction-related lane closures during daylight hours on major highways on Monday, August 26, through Friday, August 30, to alleviate traffic congestion during the week when approximately 51,900 university, college, and private school students begin their fall semesters. 

“We want to remind motorists to expect additional traffic on our roadways, especially beginning Monday, August 26,” said DOT Director Glenn Okimoto.  “51,900 university and private school students will be returning to classes, so we encourage people to make use of alternative modes of transportation like carpooling, bicycling, walking or riding TheBus to avoid the increased traffic.”

To help provide motorists with up-to-date traffic information, the DOT announced the release of a new GoAkamai App for iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices.  The GoAkamai App provides traffic congestion information, drive times and images from over 200 traffic cameras on Oahu’s state freeways, highways and roads.  The App is available on the Android and iPhone App Stores beginning today. 

“The GoAkamai App will provide motorists with up-to-date information and help them to avoid traffic congestion on their daily commutes,” said Okimoto.  “The traffic information will be available 24/7 and give a near real-time snapshot of current conditions on Oahu.”

GoAkamai App users are reminded to access this information via their smartphones before getting behind the wheel, as state law prohibits the use of a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.

Commuters are also encouraged to take advantage of the www.GoAkamai.org traffic information website to make commutes easier and faster.  The website is continuously updated and provides a color-coded congestion map and snapshots from over 200 traffic cameras around Oahu.  Also provided are links to both city and state construction lane closures and trip-planning information from TheBus.  The website is a collaborative effort of the DOT and the City and County of Honolulu.

“The GoAkamai website and App gives motorists more traffic information than ever before and we appreciate the state DOT’s partnership with the City and County in the development of these great resources,” said Mike Formby, Director of Transportation Services, City and County of Honolulu.  “GoAkamai brings together the critical information commuters need to actively manage their routes and travel options, whether by car, bike, TheBus or foot.”

Beginning on Monday, August 26, 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.  

“Motorists should plan ahead of time and sign up for Nixle alerts on road closures and monitor various media for the latest traffic updates, said Chief Louis Kealoha, Honolulu Police Department (HPD).  “The HPD will also have more solo-bike officers on the roadways to help with the flow of traffic.  Remember, do not drive distracted and if you are involved in a crash, move your vehicle to the far right side of the roadway, if possible, while waiting for the police to arrive.”

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) tow trucks will be on-duty to provide free emergency roadside service to keep traffic moving on the H-1, H-2 and H-201 Moanalua Freeways between the Kunia, Waipio, and Kahala areas from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.  Stranded motorists can call FSP at 841-HELP (4357).  For more info, visit www.fsphawaii.com.

Transportation alternatives include biking to work, taking TheBus, and signing students up for public or private school buses.  Carpooling or vanpooling with a neighbor or friend can also allow motorists to utilize both High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (two or more individuals per vehicle) on our state highways and the H-1 Freeway ZipperLane and Nimitz Highway Contraflow Lane.

During the daytime construction hiatus on August 26 through 30, emergency closures, nighttime construction and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled. 

Other alternative commuting options include the following:

• Along with regular city bus service, TheBus offers express service during the morning and afternoon rush-hours and will be working with schools and businesses to encourage more ridership.  Students from sixteen universities and colleges can purchase discounted U-Pass bus passes. Employers can participate in the City’s tax-deductible bus pass program for their employees.  For more information, call 848-5555 or visit www.thebus.org.
• The Leeward Oahu Transportation Management Association (LOTMA) manages programs designed to accommodate the growing travel needs of Leeward Oahu communities including free carpool matching.  For more information, call 677-RIDE (7433) or visit www.lotma.org.