REPORT FROM BEN CAYETANO FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN – The Hawaii State Department of Transportation (HDOT) in consultation with University of Hawaii Civil Engineering Professor Panos Prevedouros, a current member of Former Governor Benjamin Cayetano’s “Truth Squad,” recently widened the H-1 Freeway to four lanes from three. The extra lane in both directions has reduced traffic congestion quickly and economically.
“This lane addition is a result of many months of collaborative work studying possible solutions that would ease the traffic congestion on the H-1,” said Prevedouros. “This is just one example of work that can be done to provide real traffic solutions without a huge expense to the public.”
The lane addition onto the viaduct provides for four lanes instead of three in both directions in the area between Pali Highway and Punahou Street that resulted in a 25 to 30 percent capacity addition in each direction. This is the third in a series of projects stemming from collaborative research between the State and UH. Two past deployments include the morning diversion of the Lunalilo Street on-ramp, and the permanent lane addition on Kokohead bound H-1 Freeway between the Liliha Street on-ramp and the Pali Highway off-ramp. Two forthcoming improvements include the addition of a lane at the Middle Street merge and the PM Zipper lane.
“This is just one reason why Professor Prevedouros was asked to be a member of my truth squad,” said Mayoral candidate and Former Governor Benjamin Cayetano. “He knows what he is talking about when it comes to providing real traffic solutions and he is willing to collaborate with other key partners like the state department of transportation and contractors to provide real relief from traffic woes.”
Professor Panos is a PhD and professor of civil engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He also serves as a subcommittee chair of the Transportation Research Board, a unit of the National Academies. He is a also a registered Professional Engineer in the European Union with expertise in urban road network management, traffic flow analysis, traffic signal optimization, intelligent transportation systems, demand forecasting and evaluation of transportation alternatives, and sustainable infrastructure including transportation, energy, policies and regulation.
“What Honolulu needs is more innovation and collaboration,” said Cayetano “We need to look at more cost effective, long-term solutions to reduce traffic congestion, that can be sustained without breaking the bank.
“In the end, the Mayoral race will determine what our future city will look like and what services we can provide that are sustainable. The question we should be asking ourselves is, what is the best solution or combination of alternatives that can provide real traffic relief and best serve our future generations.”