The extended H-1 Freeway Zipper Lane that connects to the Nimitz Highway contraflow lane was scheduled to open this morning, providing a continuous route for morning car poolers from Central O'ahu to downtown.

"We wanted to give the drivers a week to become familiar with the extended Zipper Lane before the back-to-school rush," said Rod Haraga, state transportation director. Modifications to the lane were initially slated to open in September.

The extension will cover a nearly three-mile gap between the end of the Zipper Lane and the start of the Nimitz contraflow lane, creating a 15-mile express route for car poolers from Leeward and Central O'ahu to downtown.

The three-mile H-1 Zipper Lane extension and connection with the Nimitz contraflow lane can be used by vehicles carrying two or more people; the current minimum is three. New features also include an entrance for 'Aiea and Pearl City drivers near the Radford Drive Overpass.

Haraga said he hoped drivers will get used to merging at the new entrance in time for back-to-school traffic. All public schools, including UH-Manoa and the community colleges, will be in session by Aug. 23.

Drivers will still be able to exit near the airport, Haraga said, but they also can remain in the Zipper Lane and continue along Nimitz Highway on the contraflow lane until Hilo Hattie.

The extension should provide commuters with relief during morning rush hour, said Haraga. He estimated Zipper Lane commuters will save 15 to 20 minutes of drive time.

Federal money paid $8 million of the $9 million construction project, and the state covered the rest, he said.