STATE DOT TO OPEN ZIPPER LANE, HOV LANES IF CITY BUS STRIKE OCCURS
For Immediate Release: August 20, 2003
HONOLULU—The state Department of Transportation (DOT) announced at Governor Lingle’s Mililani/Wahiawa “Talk Story” this evening contingency plans to help ease traffic congestion on Oahu roads in the event of a city bus drivers strike. Among the steps that will be taken, the state plans to change the requirements for its H-1 Zipper Lane and other high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
“The administration is going to do our part on our state highways during a potential bus strike,” said state Department of Transportation director Rod Haraga. “We’re encouraging everyone to rideshare - carpool, vanpool - to help cut down on the number of vehicles on our roads during a strike.”
In the event of a strike, the DOT will make two changes to the H-1 Freeway zipper lane, which runs from Waikele to the Keehi Interchange:
· Hours of use – The zipper lane will remain open from 5 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. during a bus strike. The zipper lane normally shuts down at 8:30 a.m.
· Usage – During the strike, the zipper lane will be open to vehicles that have two or more occupants. Normally, at least three occupants per vehicle are required to use the zipper lane from 5:00 to 7:00 a.m., and two vehicle occupants from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.
The high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes along the H-1, H-2 and Moanalua freeways, and Kalanianaole Highway will be open to all vehicles during a strike, regardless of the number of occupants. The current requirement is two people per vehicle.
The DOT is reminding contractors that all state road construction projects next week will not start until 8:30 a.m.
The department has been surveying its 2,500 employees to see who commutes by bus and may need a ride from a co-worker.
All state departments will use state cars to help with carpooling in the event of a strike.
The DOT has also been referring calls to Vanpool Hawaii and Leeward Oahu Transportation Management Association, which provide ridesharing programs. Vanpool Hawaii can be reached at 596-VANS and LOTMA at 677-RIDE.
Just a reminder that 46,000 college and private school students head back to class the day before, Monday, August 25. Motorists are advised to leave home at least 30 to 45 minutes earlier than usual. Vehicles should be checked and maintained to cut down on the number of stalls that morning. For each minute a vehicle is stuck on the road means a 10-minute delay for traffic.
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For more information, contact:
Scott Ishikawa
Community Development Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-2160
Email: dotpao@hawaii.gov
