David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies motorists that High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours are being extended 30 minutes for the following routes:

·        H-1 Freeway eastbound (HOV, Waiawa Interchange to Keehi Interchange)
·        H-1 Freeway eastbound (Zip lane, Managers Drive overpass to Keehi Interchange)
·        H-1 Freeway eastbound (shoulder express lane – extension of contraflow express lane/ Zip lane, Pearl Harbor Interchange to Keehi Interchange)
·        Nimitz Highway eastbound (HOV and contraflow, Keehi Interchange to Industrial Parkway)
·        H-2 Freeway southbound (HOV, Mililani Interchange to Waiawa Interchange)

New HOV lane hour durations for these routes will be from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The double occupancy restriction previously ended at 8:30 a.m. The new schedule will begin Monday, June 27, 2016.

The purpose of the extension of HOV and contraflow lane hours is to encourage ridesharing, which helps reduce traffic congestion by moving more people in fewer cars. Carpools align with the State’s focus on sustainability and reducing fossil fuel usage.

Crews will be adjusting signs to reflect the new hours. HDOT reminds motorists that use of these lanes requires two or more occupants in their vehicle during the designated times. Single motorists, with the exception of motorcyclists and qualified Electric Vehicles, using the Zip lane, HOV, express, or contraflow lanes may be cited by authorities. The penalty for illegal use of the HOV lane can range from $75 to $200.

HDOT also notifies drivers that the double occupancy restriction is being lifted during the afternoon hours for the following routes:

·        H-1 eastbound (Waiawa Interchange to Keehi Interchange)
·        H-2 southbound (Mililani Interchange to Waiawa Interchange)
·        H-201 Moanalua Freeway eastbound (Halawa Interchange to Puuloa Road)

Single occupancy vehicles will be allowed on these specifically referenced routes beginning June 27, 2016. Previously HOV hours on these roadways went from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The traffic improvement changes are part of Governor David Ige’s commitment to reduce traffic congestion. Other traffic mitigation measures that have been made or are in the process of being implemented under the Ige administration include:

(Implemented)
·        New 24/7 lane added to the H-1 Freeway westbound in Pearl City
·        H-1 westbound shoulder lane from the Aiea Heights Drive overpass to the Waimalu/Pearl City off-ramp (Exit 10) to reduce afternoon commute traffic. Use of this lane has been extended 90 additional minutes and is now open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
·        Police officers stationed at Kalaeloa Boulevard and Farrington Highway to keep traffic flow on to H-1 westbound moving

(Proposed)
·        Farrington Highway westbound contraflow in Nanakuli from Piliokahi Avenue through Helelua Street
·        Tow truck stationed on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli during the morning and afternoon commute times to quickly respond to disabled vehicles
·        Zip lane widening to accommodate two lanes
·        H-1 eastbound shoulder lane from Kualakai Parkway to Kunia Road in the morning commute
·        Traffic cameras installed in Leeward Oahu to monitor traffic flow and planning

A full listing of locations and hours for HOV and contraflow lanes on Oahu can be found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/01/HOV-Contraflow-Fact-Sheet.pdf

###

———————————————————————–
Tim Sakahara
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation
Public Information Officer
869 Punchbowl Street, Room 504
Honolulu HI 96813-5097
Telephone: (808) 587-2160
Fax: (808) 587-2313
———————————————————————–