The plan for Highway 17 paving, now and in the near future

QWhat does it take to get Highway 17 from downtown Los Gatos to Bear Creek Road paved?

It’s been in deplorable condition for years. I drive a 3-ton GMC Yukon, and if I don’t negotiate my way around all the potholes, my front end is going to fall off. — Garry Howard, Los Gatos

AMaybe not. In a few weeks, Caltrans will be making pavement repairs from Lexington Reservoir to Interstate 280. And in a couple of years more work is planned on the Santa Clara County side. Then in the next year or so the state will repave Highway 17 from Scotts Valley to the Summit.

QThanks for your splendid explanation of how the HAWK (HighIntensity Activated Crosswalk) lights work. However, as an old-timer who was trained at San Jose State Teachers College, and as one who had the delicious experience of teaching for a decade before parenthood, I feel compelled to alert you to the mantra from teacher training that “it takes 35 repetitions to make one” learn.

I am suggesting that you exert your considerable influence by occasionally repeating your HAWK info for dense readers/ drivers. — Vilma Pallette, Santa Clara

AI most certainly will, starting today.

QOh Gary, Gary, Gary. I think you proved Tom Darby’s point with your explanation of how the HAWK lights work.

You wrote: “Drivers must stop during solid red until pedestrians have cleared all lanes of that direction of travel. When the walk cycle finishes, the HAWK returns to dark and drivers can proceed.”

So, do drivers have to stay put until the pedestrian has cleared all lanes in that direction of travel, or until the HAWK light goes out? I’m sure these two things won’t be happening at the same time. I hope you rethink your quiz because I’m not sure you would pass. — Sara Doeltz, San Jose

AAaaargh. During the solid red light, all drivers must remain stopped. When the light goes to a flashing red, a driver may proceed if pedestrians have cleared their lanes of travel. And be certain that this will be on any future quiz.

QI was interested in your response to readers asking about Bott’s Dots now that they are being phased out, particularly when some said they would pay to get them.

Botts’ Dots get dislodged all the time. They wind up on the sides of the highway where our AdoptA-Highway team picks them up and chucks them in the trash.

Now that I know people are willing to pay for them, I’ll make sure they are saved. I can use the extra income to pay for the after-pickup lunch for our workers.

If you want to pass my email along, I’ll figure out a way to connect the dots with those who want them. — Loui Tucker The I-280 cleanup chief

AEmail her at louitucker@gmail.com.