Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

Safe driving urged
during H-1 resurfacing

Crashes cause more than
150 injuries per year in
isle highway work zones

Star-Bulletin staff

As construction crews continue extensive resurfacing work on the H-1 freeway, the state Department of Transportation asks drivers to drive carefully in construction zones.

"We are urging motorists to follow posted speed limits and exercise caution in work zones to prevent potential injuries and fatalities to workers and motorists," said department director Kazu Hayashida.

Hawaii has more than 150 injuries per year in work zone-related crashes, averaging one fatality each year, the department said.

A recent statewide department survey found that one out of every six Hawaii residents knows a family member or a friend who was almost hit by a vehicle while working in a highway work zone.

Resurfacing of the H-1 from the Punchbowl Street offramp to the Kapiolani interchange will begin Sunday, June 25.

The state anticipates that project will take from 12 to 18 months to complete. There will be a combination of daytime and nighttime construction activity.

Motorists can help reduce
work zone dangers

The Department of Transportation offers some driving tips for motorists to help make work zones safer for everyone:

Expect delays: Planning your travel time accordingly can reduce the stress that can lead to dangerous aggressive driving behavior and "road rage."

Be aware: Check your newspaper or the DOT's Web site for current construction locations and detours.

Watch for signs: Signs posted in advance of construction will help you find alternate routes. Also, detours or lane closures may change daily.

Follow the speed limit: Speed limits in work zones are usually lower than normal limits and should be obeyed, as workers may be just a few feet away from open lanes of traffic.

Be conscientious: Always remember that workers may be present even if you do not see them.

Be especially careful at night: Construction is often performed at night to avoid lane closures during peak traffic hours. However, reduced driver visibility can endanger workers.

For more information on the H-1 construction schedule, visit the DOT's Web site at http://www.state.hi.us/dot/publicaffairs/h-1corridor/schedule/index.htm, or call the H-1 hot line at 587-2345.