The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported that the primary Zipmobile stalled on the H-1 at Managers Drive in Waipahu on Wednesday, July 9. The incident occurred at 9 a.m., when the vehicle was unable to start.
According to HDOT, “The Zipmobile driver reported that the vehicle was not able to be started.” A mechanic has been dispatched and is working on fixing the engine. In case it cannot be started by 11 a.m., plans are in place to tow the primary Zipmobile to the side or to Zip Hale. An alternate vehicle will then take over to ensure the closure of the Zipper Lane.
An update provided at 11:30 a.m. indicated that “the mechanical issue is presumed to be related to the Zipmobile fuel pump,” with efforts ongoing for repairs. To mitigate potential delays, HDOT has sent an alternate Zipmobile to Managers Drive, ensuring that “the Zipper Lane is closed prior to PM rush hour start at 3 p.m.”
By 12:30 p.m., progress had been made as “the primary Zipmobile started to close the Zipper Lane around 12:20 p.m.” The department aims for full closure by 3:30 p.m. at the latest.
