Be ready for Nimitz contraflow
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Chart: Navigating the Nimitz contraflow lane
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
A new contraflow traffic plan for Nimitz Highway goes into effect tomorrow morning. Here's what you need to know about the project.
Q. What's the goal?
A. To create an additional town-bound lane on Nimitz Highway, making driving easier and easing the load on other major roads heading into Honolulu during the morning commute.
Q. How will they do it?
A. One 'ewa-bound lane will be coned off each morning for use by Honolulu-bound motorists. The contraflow works the same as those on Kalaniana'ole Highway or Kapi'olani Boulevard.
Q. Can anybody use the contraflow lane?
A. No. It is restricted to cars with two or more occupants.
Q. Where will the lane start and end?
A. It will begin on Nimitz near the Ke'ehi Interchange and Middle Street area. It will run for about two miles to Pier 32, near the Hilo Hattie's store.
Q. What hours will it be operational?
A. 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Q. Will it be faster than other Nimitz Highway lanes?
A. Probably not. Once people get used to the change, all four lanes of town-bound traffic should move at about the same speed.
Q: What's the best way to access the contraflow lane.
A. The high-occupancy-vehicle lane on H-1 Freeway will funnel straight into the Nimitz lane.
Q. Can I get into the lane at any other point?
A. No.
Q. Do I have to stay in the lane all the way into town?
A. Yes. You can't switch back and forth to regular lanes.
Q. What if I want to make a left turn toward Kalihi?
A. Left turns are not permitted from the contraflow lane. They will be permitted from current turn lanes at intersections with traffic lights.
Q. If I want to turn left, I should stay in the regular side of the highway?
A. That's correct.
Q. What about cars coming from the other direction? Will they be turning in front of me?
A. No. Left turns are prohibited for 'ewa-bound cars except at Sand Island Access Road.
Q. What happens there?
A. Two lanes of 'ewa-bound traffic will be allowed to turn into Sand Island. Three lanes of traffic coming from Sand Island traffic will be allowed to turn left onto Nimitz to go toward 'Ewa.
Q. What about other intersections? Are there any changes?
A. The approaches to Nimitz Highway on Kalihi Street, Mokauea Street and Pu'uhale Street have been modified to handle more cross-traffic.
Q. What do I do if I break down or have an accident in the contraflow lane?
A. Call 911. The Department of Transportation will have a tow truck stationed nearby. If vehicles are running, move them out of the contraflow lane as quickly as possible.
Q. Will the contraflow project be reversed in the afternoon?
A. No. There are no plans for an afternoon contraflow.
Q. How are pedestrians affected?
A. They'll have to be more careful. Since traffic will be moving both ways on what's normally the 'ewa-bound side of the highway, they'll have to be sure to look both ways before entering the street.
Q. Isn't that a little dangerous?
A. During the first few weeks, special-duty police officers will be at key intersections to assist pedestrians. The officers will remain at Pu'uhale and Mokauea streets for the four-month trial period.
Q. What's all this costing taxpayers?
A. About $1 million, mostly for construction work and for the daily setting up the cones.
Q. Will it really help?
A. It's a four-month trial program set up so traffic engineers can evaluate the changes.
Q. What happens after that?
A. If traffic improves on Nimitz Highway and other town-bound routes, the contraflow will be made a permanent feature of the morning rush hour.
