Urgently needed El Camino Real repairs may be a year away
QWhen in the name of new asphalt will the city or state repave El Camino Real in Santa Clara? It’s a disgrace to those who live and work in the valley. I realize that any state roadway such as El Camino falls under Caltrans responsibility, but couldn’t the city address this now and seek reimbursement from the state later? Try driving across Kiely Boulevard and you’ll see what I mean. — Kevin Collopy, Santa Clara
ANext to the potholes on Interstate 580, El Camino ranks as the worst road I know of. The pavement quality is significantly lower on many non-freeway routes, with 57 percent of the 231 lanemiles on El Camino Real and 38 percent of Route 1 in distressed condition.
But don’t look for the city to bail out Caltrans.
QI have tried and tried to get Caltrans to take some action on El Camino Real from San Mateo to Millbrae to no avail. The road is so full of potholes and people trying to avoid them that I am continually dodging other drivers coming at me head-on in my lane as they swerve to avoid large potholes. — John Dolan
AThe state has plans to repave El Camino Real from Interstate 880 to Lawrence Expressway next year and from Highway 237 to the San Mateo County line in 2021. And it is looking at using some of the new gas tax funds to speed up this work and go into San Mateo County.
QYou frequently talk about the 55 mph speed limit for trucks and autos pulling trailers.
How about you take one of your reader polls and ask if anyone has ever witnessed one of these vehicles complying with this law, especially big rigs and high-end motorhomes pulling their dingy vehicles on Interstate 5? — Brock Carpenter, Cupertino
AThe poll is open.
QThe real question about the use and high cost of replacing Xenon bulbs in Larry Schwarcz’s wife’s car should be, “Is an increased 11 percent plus safety (higher for head-on collisions) worth $165 every several years to you?” — Lisa Sinizer, San Jose
AGood point. You can also go online and order replacement bulbs for around $100.
QWho says you can’t have your music and traffic, too? Station owner Bob Kieve had a great idea to report traffic at the end of every song we play at KLIV (1590 AM).
“When the music stops the traffic begins.” — John McLeod
ABob has a lot of great ideas.
The new schedule began last week and the focus is on Silicon Valley and the South Bay.