New lane striping should help drivers navigate I-680
QI’ve pretty much given up taking Interstate 680 south because there is literally an accident every day around 6:30 a.m. at Treat Boulevard. Is someone looking into why this area is so accident prone? — Katherine Olson, Martinez
AYes. Some drivers insist it’s the new FasTrak lanes confusing folks, but it’s too early to assess the impact of FasTrak. Other drivers say this area has long been troubled by fender benders and worse. But the plea for help is growing.
QOn southbound I-680 between the Monument Boulevard and North Main Street exits in Contra Costa County, the lane markers in the right lanes are worn and nonexistent. It’s dangerous in the daytime, but at night and in wet weather it’s a serious hazard. Are there plans to restripe these areas?
— Nancy Comprelli, Barbara Vaughn and others
AHelp should soon be coming. Caltrans will
Aredo the striping, possible by midDecember. Until then be careful out there.
QWhat in tarnation is going on in the parking lots at the BART station in Lafayette? — Joanne Rodgers, Walnut Creek A lot. BART is increasing the number of disabled parking spaces, improving signs, paving and circulation through the lots. It is also enhancing pedestrian safety, adding more motorcycle parking and improving bus zones and drop-off areas.
Solar panels are being installed and will generate enough power for the Lafayette Station as well as some of the energy needs at the Orinda and Walnut Creek stations. BART also will plant more trees and install LED lighting.
QWork on the ramp from MacArthur Boulevard to eastbound Interstate 80 was anticipated to finish at “the end of July.” Any word as to when it might actually open? Or was that July 2018? — Paul Saxton
AThe contractor still needs to complete some paving and restriping and will need at least five days of good weather to get that done. Most likely in three weeks the ramp may reopen.
QI am now having to pay 20 cents a gallon more for diesel to repair our roads. Then I read that our federal government is going to pay 87 percent of the tab to fix a Contra Costa County-maintained bridge and road over Pinole Creek that washed away last winter.
Why does our state need more money for road repairs, when the feds are already chipping in? — Elvin Watkins, Walnut Creek
AThis project is funded through the federal emergency relief program for the repair of highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters.