Nimitz drivers like contraflow
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
The first days of the Nimitz Highway contraflow program have been a "tremendous success" and the state will make the program permanent if the pattern continues, Transportation Director Rod Haraga said yesterday.
The number of cars traveling east on the highway during the morning rush hour increased 57 percent since the contraflow lane was opened Sept. 29, according to state Department of Transportation figures.
At the same time, Haraga said, drivers' e-mails and phone calls to DOT indicate that they have reduced their commuting times from Central and Leeward O'ahu by 10 to 20 minutes.
"So we know it is helping traffic overall," Haraga said. "We're very encouraged by the first few weeks."
The four-month trial program opens one 'ewa-bound lane of the highway to diamondhead-bound vehicles with two or more riders from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. to help alleviate congestion on one of O'ahu's busiest roadways. It also is designed to reduce some of the pressure on other major roads leading to town, including Middle Street, King Street and Dillingham Boulevard.
The reported time savings by motorists are about double what engineers initially expected, Haraga said. Even so, he said, it's too early to say if the improved commute will hold up and if the project will be made permanent.
"My hunch is that it may continue, but we want to do a full scientific study and hear what the community has to say," Haraga said.
Several drivers echoed Haraga's view.
Downtown worker Ben Schorr said getting from Nimitz near Ke'ehi Interchange to Hilo Hattie's used to take about 25 minutes in the morning rush hour. Now, he makes the same 2-mile trip in about five minutes.
"If my experience is any indication I'd say the contraflow lane was a rousing success," he said.
Another commuter told DOT by e-mail: "Ordinarily, I leave Mililani Middle School at 8 (a.m.), and it takes 17 minutes to reach the airport viaduct, then a frustrating 26 minutes on Nimitz. Today, it took 17 minutes again to the viaduct but it took only 10 minutes on Nimitz."
State officials say two potential problems have not materialized.
Kalihi-area businesses had voiced concern that the contraflow project, which limits left turns into their neighborhoods, would hurt them. Instead, some of them are reporting an increase in business, Haraga said.
"Our theory is: The more we can cut down on people's commute time, the more people may spend time at a Kalihi restaurant or business," he said.
Haraga said there have been no major accidents related to the contraflow lane. He credited extra police officers stationed at key intersections of the route.
There have been instances in which single-occupant vehicles use the contraflow lane. Haraga said police will continue issuing warnings to those who violate the car-pool restrictions and "at some point we'll start ticketing."
A final decision on making the contraflow lane permanent likely will be made in February. If the project continues, transportation officials hope ultimately to link it to the H-1 Freeway zipper lane, Haraga said.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
