KLIV’s gone country, but traffic reports will continue
Q When I first heard about it, I couldn’t believe that KLIV — the single most comprehensive news and traffic AM radio station in the South Bay — would be changing format to country and western music.
I commute in and around the South Bay and this radio station was the single best resource for avoiding traffic problems and getting up-to-date San Jose news. Their small but highly efficient news team was the best in the area. They will be missed.
Where do I turn now? Russ Hills San Jose
A It’s the end of an era. KLIV (1590 AM) has gone country, having dropped its all-news/traffic format of the past 35 years on Friday night. On weekdays, there will be morning traffic reports, and veteran traffic man John McLeod will become the midday DJ from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then do traffic from 3 to 6 p.m.
KCBS continues to offer traffic updates every 10 minutes, and KQED is pretty good. The smartphone app Waze continues to surge as an alternative.
Q Who has the responsibility for cleaning up trash on interchanges of freeways, specifically Highway 85 and Highway 17? All ramps are a disgrace.
I am tired of explaining to visitors that we don’t like the situation . ... The ramps at Highway 17 at Hamilton Avenue have an overgrowth of weeds as high as 3 to 4 feet and brush creeping onto the freeway. ... Traffic delays on Highway 17 are mounting. Can’t Caltrans limit weed-cutting to nighttime hours? JoAnn Smith, Chris Scott,
Billy Cox and many more
A Afraid not. Caltrans is trying to get ahead of the fire dangers that are present when vegetation is left unabated.
People are curious as to why the state doesn’t work night shifts on this type of work, but restricting one lane during the night on 17 can be hazardous for both motorists and workers.
So unless it’s a longer project with CHP support, flaggers, K-rail barriers, etc., maintenance groups strive to work daytime hours.
Plus, it can be dangerous when operating equipment at night.
On hot days, traffic intensifies as people head to the beach to take advantage of the great weather. Caltrans has about a seven-hour window. They’ll be whacking weeds on south 17 from 5 to 10 a.m, this week from Bear Creek Road to the Summit. Work should end in a couple of weeks. Also, this Tuesday and Wednesday, emergency guardrail repairs on northbound and southbound Highway 17 near Scotts Valley will take place, closing one lane — during the day.
Q On interstate highways, there are signs indicating food, lodging and gas at many offramps in small towns or even out in rural areas. However, there are no such signs in large cities, where you often need this information. Why is that? Clare and Marilyn Campbell Keeney
A Not enough space for all signs needed in urban areas, such as carpool signs, exit-lane markings, etc. But after futilely searching for a gas station late one night in Walnut Creek, I’m with you.