Caltrans has plans to repave I-880 stretch during summer

Q

What is Caltrans plan for repaving Interstate 880 between 23rd Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue in Oakland? I know the area has been under construction for years, but we are overdue.

— Philip Garcia, Alameda

A

Overdue it is. Caltrans expects to repave 880 this summer and install a new drainage system and median barrier just north of the 23rd Avenue overcrossing.

Q

For the past month or so, there has been a rose- colored sofa in the center median, behind the cement barrier on northbound Interstate 680 just south of the Highway 242 split. Any idea who is responsible for cleaning up a furniture spill on the interstate?

— Marylee Martinez

A

Caltrans, and a request is in to pick it up.

Q

While the presence of the Golden Bear on a California driver’s license indicates a REAL ID, the symbol TSA looks for that will be present on the REAL

ID from any state is the star somewhere at the top of the card.

It just happens to be on the Golden Bear’s hindquarters, which may or may not have a hidden meaning from California to the feds.

— Craig Foster, San Jose

A

Hmmm. You think so?

Q

In November, I had to renew my driver’s license in person for the first time in 16 years. Based on your column, I went to the Concord DMV at 3 p.m. on a Saturday.

I made sure to have the proper paperwork. There was a friendly “start here” desk just inside the door. Five minutes later, I was talking to a clerk and getting it done in and out in 20 minutes. Unless you need something like a road test or something out of the ordinary, Saturday afternoon is the ticket.

I had my new REAl ID in the mail three weeks later. Horrible picture, but I blame myself for that one.

— Jesse Smith

A

You need to have a sense of humor when it comes to DMV photos.

Q

Many news articles about severe (major injuries or death) accidents will note drugs or alcohol involved or not involved, but rarely a mention of whether seat belts were fastened or not.

It is important to remind drivers and passengers to use seatbelts. Can you encourage your colleagues to ask about seatbelt use and include the answer in their article?

A

We usually do, as the CHP and city police often release this information.

California has one of the highest seat belt compliance rates in the nation but during the recent holiday, 10 people were killed in collisions in California. More than half of the victims who died were not wearing a seat belt.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup. com or 408-9205335. Contact Gary Richards at grichards@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920- 5037.