Dumbarton Bridge carpool hours to be evaluated
QI recently moved to the East Bay and discovered that the carpool situation on the Dumbarton Bridge is really weird. The carpool lane is blocked off from the Paseo Padre entrance, which means if I want to use the carpool lane my fastest route is to get on Highway 84 east, go down to the next exit at Ardenwood Boulevard, get off and get back on going west to get into the carpool lane. Since I can’t get the carpool discount in any of the other FasTrak lanes this is what I have to do if I don’t want to be overcharged.
Also I don’t understand why the carpool discount only applies at rush hour. If I want to carpool, I am now incentivized to travel at rush hour, despite having a flexible work schedule. This all just seems so weird and I was hoping you could shed some light.
AFrom Ardenwood you would have to cross a double line to get in the HOV lane; this isn’t allowed, but people do it all the time. Eight years ago, dedicated carpool lanes were installed rather than allowing carpoolers to use some cash lanes. It would be great to have a carpool lane on the other side of the plaza and it’s something that is being considered, but won’t be implemented for years.
But here is something that may help sooner. Carpool hours are limited to peak periods to encourage solo drivers to become carpoolers to reduce the number of vehicles during heavy commute times. Should bridge officials extend the hours? It’s something they’ll consider thanks to your question.
Then maybe some of the weirdness will ease.
QWhen will the widening of Highway 84 be completed? It has been almost three years and was supposed to be done by the end of 2017. I drive that way to Vineyard every workday, yet don’t see much activity. — Kevin Ryan, Pleasanton
AHang in there for a few more months. Widening work should be done late this year with some other work completed by next spring, This will expand the 2.4mile section from Ruby Hill Drive to Cancannon Boulevard from two to four lanes.
QThe repaving of Interstate 80 between Pinole and Albany is great, but when is Caltrans going to repair the stretch from Carquinez Bridge to Pinole? — Ray
AThere is nothing in the near future. There is a major rehabilitation project for that section of road for 2022. This could be accelerated to 2020, if the new gas tax is not repealed.
QRoad boulders? You should experience shopping cart boulders at Sunnyvale Costco. — Gordon Markley, Sunnyvale
AWe have, at the Santa Clara Costco.