Here’s why Caltrans isn’t paving freeways while the sun shines: Roadshow
Interstate 880 in Fremont is in particular need of pothole repair, readers say.
Q: How many rainy days have we had in the last two months? Zilch. Yet Caltrans has not been out paving our freeways. What a missed opportunity. What were they thinking?
Dan Felix and others
A: Paving work is usually put on pause in winter months in the expectation, and hope, that there will be lots of rain during the limited winter months. Caltrans can’t marshall road crews on the spur of the moment. These projects are planned out months ahead of time. You’ll see a lot more paving when the usual rainy season is at an end.
Q: My commute is from Newark to Milpitas every day on Interstate 880. The asphalt is extremely worn out and peeling up toward Fremont. Driving here is extremely loud. The road has dips and potholes that form weekly. It’s long overdue for a repaving job. Do you know when this is on the schedule?
Lindsay Kaye, Newark
Q: Others are also concerned about this heavily traveled stretch of the freeway.
Q: The I-880 stretch in Fremont is badly in need of paving. The southbound section between Mission Blvd and Dixon Landing has huge potholes, likely from trucks. It looks like the Avengers came down for a battle there. Is there any hope that this stretch of I-880 will be paved anytime soon?
H.S., Fremont
A: Yes, next year. In the meantime, Caltrans continues to monitor road conditions and address issues, as needed. You can use their Customer Service Request system by going to https://csr.dot.ca.gov/ and filling out the form. The system will automatically generate a tracking number and email it to you, helping you keep on top of the issue. It will also notify you when the issue has been addressed.
Q: Gary, much of the striping on northbound Highway 17 from Camden to Interstate 280 looks like it was done by a crew that had too much to drink. What gives with this?
Bob Steiner
A: This is temporary. As paving work on this stretch progresses, and when the time is right for striping, it will be straightened out.
Q: Oh, wise Roadshow master, why isn’t the speed limit 70 on 280 from Foothill to Millbrae? Or can they raise the speed limit after sunset?
Gary Moitozo, San Jose
A: The speed limit will not be raised on 280 as it is considered an urban freeway, with a speed limit of 65 mph, despite many open spaces as you drive north on the Peninsula. Speed limits don’t vary by time of day for several reasons, including that it could confuse drivers, which might make the road more dangerous.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.