What’s going on with the I-680 construction?
QIs the current construction on Interstate 680 southbound in Walnut Creek from South Main to Livorna Road to add another lane? If so, what happens to the lane after Livorna
AThe freeway is being widened to complete the carpool lane in the southbound direction in order to have a continuous HOV/express lane from the Benicia-Martinez Bridge to the Alameda County line. The current carpool lane ends just north of Highway 24 and picks up again in the vicinity of Rudgear. The widening will make that a continuous lane.
QThis will be one of the more random questions you get, but do you by any chance know who to talk to about an idea for a specialty license plate? Not a plate that has my name or funny saying on it, but one along the lines of the Protect Our Coast, Lake Tahoe, Protect Kids, etc.
I have an idea that I’d love to submit for consideration but I’m not sure where. The DMV site
doesn’t yield any clarity. — Lawrence Rust A Special plates can only be sponsored by state agencies. For example, the Breast Cancer Awareness plate is sponsored by the California Department of Health Services. You may wish to contact an agency whose mission is consistent with the idea or their local elected legislator about getting their idea for a new plate adopted.
A state agency may apply to the department to sponsor a specialized license plate program, and the department shall issue specialized license plates for that program until the department has received not less than 7,500 applications for that agency’s specialized license plates. Q Do you think Caltrans can put a message on the electronic boards that tractor-trailers and cars pulling trailers are not allowed in the express lane? Or are they allowed? I see this on a daily basis. — Fred Korbmacher A Not likely. Big rigs and vehicles hauling trailers are limited to 55 mph and must stay in the far right lanes. However small trucks with two axles can go 65 mph and use whatever lane is open.
QHaving been rearended at the “Mathilda Monster” interchange at highways 101 and 237 while at a stop, and pushed through the stoplight, I am glad this madness is being improved. — Kimberly McKinnis
AMe too. The realignment of the off-ramp eliminates the short spacing of signals along Mathilda Avenue just north of the 237 overcrossing and will help improve traffic flow by easing backup and lessening delays.
Those traveling through the area can expect to see changes in the ramp as they unfold, including roadway excavation, paving and new striping.
Work on the new interchange will take another year.