Backups on H-11

[TomK]

For the last couple of evenings, today and yesterday, H-11 has been backed up between Hilo and Keaau. On each occasion, I saw no evidence of an accident although can't rule out an earlier one. Anyone know more? Seems a bit too sudden just to be due to an increase in traffic.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I noticed it yesterday about 5 pm as well. It took 3 changes of the traffic lights for me to turn off Hwy 11 onto Hwy 130, which is unusual. I then expected a long backup before Shower Drive too, but the traffic there was fine. I didn't see any accidents or breakdowns or cars pulled over for tickets after I left Hilo. Perhaps something happened earlier to create the jam?

The sign of a genius is that he talks louder after he finishes talking.

[TomK]

Yes, Shower was quiet again tonight. I guess all the traffic is being held up on 11 with less of a traffic flow on 130. Quite a coincidence to have exactly the same thing happen on two consecutive days though.

[LazyLehua]

We noticed it too. Today there was a minor accident past the 130 turn off on Hwy 11 towards Mountain View. I did noticed lots of trucks on the road today as well.

[Mimosa]

Four car accident at Shipman and Hwy 11 about 3:30 in afternoon today in the turn lane to 130 . By 4pm - backed up to Stainbeck. That could of been the cause of today's issue .

[TomK]

Thanks, Mrs Mimosa, that would certainly explain today's backup. With the increase in traffic, I've seen a number of accidents or near misses recently at that turn lane. Nearly got rear-ended myself a few weeks ago. It's no longer long enough and backs up traffic into H-11 in the left-hand lane and some don't seem to be prepared for it. It's OK in nice weather but not so pleasant when it rains. A reminder to turn on your lights in rain, keep your attention on the road and don't tailgate.

[kalakoa]

no longer long enough and backs up traffic into H-11 in the left-hand lane

Translation: recent upgrades are already inadequate because State is about 10 years behind the population growth.

[Mimosa]

In about 2 years the economy will tank downwards .The result will be people will be moving away in droves.Far less traffic will be just one of the results of the current issues that plague Puna and East Hawaii the Island.
Mrs.Mimosa

[kalakoa]

In about 2 years the economy will tank downwards

...but your taxes will still be based on the near-term over-valutation.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

the economy will tank downwards
...
but your taxes will still be based on the near-term over-valutation

And the traffic will be unchanged.
70+% of East Hawaii workers are employed by county, state or federal government agencies. We'll need that near-term over-valuation to keep their paychecks coming, so they can fill their gas tanks and drive home on Highways 11 and 130. Maybe long-term over-valuation too.

Declare yourself a success: you'll be admired by those who've declared themselves failures. - Last Aphorisms