Reminder to Motorists: Construction-Related Closures Postponed Next Week for “Beat the School Jam”

Posted on Aug 22, 2014 in Highways News, Main, News

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reminds motorists that many major construction-related lane closures on Oahu during daylight hours from Monday, August 25, through Friday, August 29, will be postponed to alleviate traffic congestion during the week when approximately 51,900 university, college, and private school students begin their fall semesters. This lane closure hiatus is part of the annual “Beat the School Jam” campaign, which reminds motorists to expect additional traffic on roadways beginning August 25.

The HDOT encourages motorists to make use of alternative modes of transportation like carpooling, bicycling, walking or riding TheBus to avoid the increased traffic. 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.

For up-to-date traffic information, motorists can download the HDOT’s GoAkamai App for iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices (see links below). The GoAkamai App provides traffic congestion information, drive times and images from over 200 traffic cameras on Oahu’s state freeways, highways and roads. 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 HDOT and the City and County of Honolulu.

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.

During the daytime construction hiatus on August 25 through 29, emergency closures, nighttime construction and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled. Please refer to https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/ for a complete list.

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-akamai/id683015134?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icxhawai