Q: Outstanding resurfacing of northbound and southbound Highway 87. You wrote in recent columns that Caltrans said they’re going to finish off- and on-ramps, many of which they have done and equipment is still out there.
But what about the northbound 87 connector ramps to both directions of Interstate 280? It seems they could have gone another 50 feet in each lane. I’ve driven both and as it is now, as soon as you drive off the new pavement, a driver practically lands in an asphalt ditch that rattles the teeth. Does Caltrans’ plan include finishing those connector ramps?
Dan Hendrix, San Jose
A: Hopefully this will also be taken care of as part of the project. I’ve forwarded your comment to Caltrans.
Q: I understand and appreciate all the work that is being done on Interstate 80 and its ramps. However, I find it extremely frustrating that they can have the work area lit up like Christmas, but they can’t have an electronic sign to alert a driver that an upcoming ramp is closed. I had to cross the Carquinez Bridge recently because there wasn’t a visible notification before the Cummings Skyway ramp.
I would appreciate an email or phone number for the Caltrans fellow, so I can lodge my complaint. This isn’t the first time it has happened.
Melanie Andersen
A: Use the Caltrans Customer Service Request form to describe the problem, hopefully preventing it in the future. You’ll find it online at: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/. I’ve also forwarded your comment to Caltrans as general feedback about signage during road closures.
Q: You wrote about reflective gear for motorcyclists and bicyclists. The lion’s share of riding gear for both of these types of riders has retro-reflective elements in it. This has nothing to do with “coolness.” According to the Hurt Report (Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures), two-thirds of accidents involving a car and motorcycle are the fault of the car driver. It is because drivers aren’t looking for motorcycles. They have been taught to look for and avoid other cars.
Most drivers are tuned out, and driving is secondary to whatever other thoughts are going on in their head. They just aren’t paying attention, or scanning the road for potential hazards or blind spots. They are thinking about that spousal argument, a child’s issues at school or their grocery list, etc. If drivers take the figurative horse blinders off, and turn their heads to see what is going on around them, it could save a life.
David Fraguglia
A: Distracted driving, whether because of technology or being lost in worries or thought is dangerous. Paying attention and being ready for the unexpected can prevent collisions and tragedy.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
