DOT Launches Annual "Beat The School Jam" Campaign
08/10/11 - As part of the annual “Beat the School Jam” campaign, DOT announced today plans to postpone construction-related lane closures during daylight hours on major highways on Monday, August 22, through Friday, August 26, to alleviate traffic congestion during the week when approximately 43,500 university, college, and private school students begin their fall semesters. Please click on the link above for more details.
43,500 students will be returning to UH, colleges and private school on Monday, August 22. DOT encourages people to make use of alternative modes of transportation like carpooling, bicycling, walking or riding TheBus to avoid the increased traffic.
“We want to remind motorists to expect additional traffic on our roadways, especially beginning Monday, August 22,” said Jade Butay, DOT Deputy Director for Administration. “Nearly 55,000 students will be returning to school throughout the month of August, 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 maintain traffic flow with the added congestion, DOT also announced that ridership requirements for the H-1 Freeway ZipperLane and the Nimitz Highway Contraflow Lane will be modified beginning on Monday, August 15. Vehicles with two or more passengers will then be able to use the lanes from 8 to 8:30 a.m. during weekday morning rush-hours. Vehicles will still be required to have three-or-more passengers between the hours of 5:30 and 8 a.m.
Hours for the weekday H-1 Freeway Lunalilo Street On-Ramp closure will also be modified to help maintain traffic flow. Beginning Monday, August 15, the on-ramp traffic delinators will be removed one hour earlier on weekdays beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the ramp will be opened by 8:45 a.m. The modified on-ramp closure hours will be from 6 to 8:45 a.m. on weekdays, excluding state holidays.
“These lane modifications will help to optimize traffic flow into and through the Honolulu area,” said Butay. “They will begin on Monday, August 15, to give motorists an extra week to adjust their schedules to find the best possible fit.”
During the construction hiatus on August 22-26, emergency closures, nighttime construction and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled.
Commuters are encouraged to take advantage of the DOT’s www.GoAkamai.org website, which provides traffic information to make commutes easier and faster. The website is continuously updated and provides a simple, color-coded congestion map and snapshots. 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.
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. 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 Kunia, Waipio, and Kalihi from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays. Stranded motorists can call FSP at 841-HELP (4357).
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.
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. University and college students 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 and services designed to accommodate the growing travel needs of Leeward Oahu communities. Services include free carpool matching, LOTMA Commuter Express buses, and the Emergency Ride Home Program. For more information, call 677-RIDE (7433) or visit www.lotma.org.
· The State Department of Transportation's Ride Share program matches individuals with carpools in their communities. For more information, contact the Ride Share coordinator at 692-7695 or via email at rideshare@hawaii.gov.
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