CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Drivers took advantage of the new contraflow lane near City Mill on Nimitz Highway yesterday. It was the first day of a four-month trial of the contraflow lane.
Nimitz contraflow
has a smooth rideA state official reports that
motorists claim that it saves time
More than 1,500 motorists used the Nimitz Highway contraflow lane between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m. yesterday for the first day of a four-month trial.
"It went very smoothly," said Scott Ishikawa, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. There were no accidents or major problems, he said.
Police and state transportation officials, however, spotted some cars with only one occupant using the lane and a few had illegally entered the contraflow lane.
The contraflow lane is reserved for vehicles with two or more occupants. Commuters can only enter the lane from the Keehi interchange off the airport viaduct. The contraflow lane runs to Pier 32 near Hilo Hattie at Pacific Street.
Police will continue to warn drivers and may issue citations if motorists make illegal turns into the contraflow lane.
Ishikawa said the department received e-mails from some motorists yesterday, saying the contraflow lane shaved time from their commute into downtown.
Funding is available to make the lane permanent if it proves successful during the trial.
