Toll lanes on Interstate 880 remain closed, but not for much longer
Q
Are the new toll lanes on Interstate 880 from Oakland to the South Bay now open? Overhead signs are sometimes on.
— Frank Ramos, San Leandro
A
No, but we’re getting close, with a lot happening to open the express lanes later this year from Hegenberger Road to Dixon Landing Road southbound and from Dixon Landing to Lewelling Boulevard northbound. New striping, signs, tolling equipment, video cameras, a data communications network, lighting, median barrier replacement, and CHP observation areas are coming.
Crews have begun final paving work where I-880 was widened to accommodate more space for entering and exiting the express lanes from southbound Hesperian Boulevard to Winton Avenue, southbound Alvarado-Niles Road to Alvarado Boulevard, northbound near the truck scales at Auto Mall Parkway, and northbound near Tennyson Road. Paving should be completed in June.
Drivers may see messages on the electronic signs and hear toll tags beep. You will not be charged as the tolling equipment is in “non-tolling” testing-only mode.
Q
I was glad to read about Caltrans speeding up work at Highway 101 in San Mateo County. But what about Interstate 580 through Oakland? New pavement is badly needed.
— John Nakaso, Oakland
A
Caltrans is taking advantage of light traffic to perform paving, guardrail repair and maintenance work along I-580 in San Leandro and Oakland now through June. Work will be done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Q
As everyone can see, traffic on Bay Area roads has already increased dramatically. However, I am seeing a disturbing trend: pickups and vans packed with construction workers. I am pretty sure these people do not live together. Where is social distancing? This looks like a bad situation in which I predict an explosion of virus cases.
— Joe Pansera, Hollister
A
It is worrisome. And it reflects issues facing these workers: keep their jobs at the risk of getting infected. The CHP may issue warnings.
Q
What work is being done on Highway 24 east of the Caldecott Tunnel?
— David Lee, Walnut Creek
A
The state is installing a new median barrier and LED lights between Wilder Road and Camino Pablo-Orinda. Weekday work will run from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take about two months to finish.
Q
I know you’ve written about this, but I still don’t know what to do. My husband’s driver’s license expires in August, mine in September. We got a notice to renew his at a DMV office, and of course, none are open and no appointments are available. Please help.
— Kay Ryan
A
I understand your nervousness. More DMV offices should open with directions on appointments. Remain patient and keep your fingers crossed.