Zip Mobile problems snarl morning traffic

Mechanical failure with the Zip Mobile shut down the ZipperLane on the H-1 freeway eastbound Friday morning, causing major traffic snarls for commuters.

The problem was further complicated since the Department of Transportation was unable to deploy its second Zip Mobile, which was sidelined before the start of the year.

The Zipper Lane was closed throughout the day and won’t reopen until Tuesday morning.

Gas leak closes Costco, other businesses

The Costco store in Wai­pio and surrounding businesses were reopened Friday following the release of refrigeration gas at the store that forced an evacuation of about 600 people from the area.

Costco reopened around 4 p.m. after fire officials determined that oxygen levels were safe, fire Capt. Terry Seelig said. Firefighters used fans to help push out the gas.

Officials determined that the source of the leak, first reported shortly after 2 p.m., was a rupture in a line for R22 refrigerant gas. The break released about 400 pounds of the gas, Seelig said. While the gas is not considered toxic or flammable, it can be an irritant to human skin, he said.