The state Department of Transportation responded today to multiple reports of vehicles with damaged tires on the Zipper Lane near the merge of the H-1 and H-2 freeways.

Nine motorists needed help from the Freeway Service Patrol for tires damaged during the morning rush hour commute over a large patch of uneven roadway, with what appear to be multiple layers of potholes. On weekdays the Zipper Lane is open from 5:30 to 9 a.m.

The FSP helped eight drivers change their tires on the spot, and had to tow away one vehicle because the driver’s spare tire was inaccessible. Crews paved the potholes this morning, and a street sweeper cleaned the area of possible debris.

“The crews went out and fixed it right away,” said DOT spokesman Tim Sakahara. “They sent out the street sweeper just in case there were any debris causing it.”

No puncture-causing debris were found in the area, according to Sakahara, and the lane should offer a smoother commute tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, motorists who experienced damage to their vehicle from the Zipper Lane may submit a claim for reimbursement with the Risk Management office in the state Department of Accounting and General Services. The Risk Management office can also be reached at 586-0547 or by email at dagsrmo@hawaii.gov.

More information on claims is available at ags.hawaii.gov/aso/rmo.

Motorists who are in need of state FSP assistance, which is free, should call 841-HELP (4357).