All-electronic tolling will begin in 2019 at the earliest
QThe tragedy of the tollbooth crash on the Bay Bridge that killed a Caltrans worker makes me wonder once again: Why do we still have tollbooths on our bridges? So many areas of the country have gone to openroad tolling that it’s almost laughable how far behind the times we are in NorCal.
Is it time for our toll authorities to wake up? — Lou Harris
AThe question is not if all-electronic tolling is coming. The question is when.
The change will not begin until 2019 at the earliest. There is a state mandate to update tolling systems by the end of June. Then officials can get to work on the shift to allelectronic tolling like they have on the Golden Gate Bridge and on the far left lanes on the Benicia Bridge.
QSeveral people have asked about claiming compensation from Caltrans after their cars have been damaged by hitting potholes, and I wonder if my accident qualifies.
Two weeks ago, I was driving south on Doolittle Drive in San Leandro about 6:30 p.m. in the far left lane. It was dark, but there was no rain to obscure my vision. I could see the markings for the two left-turn lanes at Davis Street, where I wanted to turn, so I began to move into one of them.
At the last second my headlights showed I was heading straight for a median island. I jerked the steering wheel to the right, but it was too late to avoid hitting the island.
I popped a tire, bent the wheel beyond repair, and damaged some other parts, to the tune of over $800.
There is no paint, no reflector and no sign to warn drivers that there is an island to avoid.
Do you think I have a case? — Mike Trimble
AMaybe. Doolittle Drive is Caltrans turf. For claims of $10,000 or less, go to dot. ca.gov/damageclaims.htm for details.
QWhy isn’t there an HOV lane on Interstate 580 from Dublin to Castro Valley? It is one of the worst commutes in the Bay Area with all the solo drivers from the Central Valley.
AThere are no shortterm plans for carpool lanes on 580 between Dublin and Castro Valley.
But the Metropolitan Transportation Commission knows this is a notable gap in the regional carpool network and will be looking at HOV lanes down the road.
It needs to. The MTC predicts that in a few short years, I-580 may rank as the worst commute in the region.