Highway 17’s a dangerous, slippy mess — so slow down
Q Finally, after more than eight weeks of what seems like three or more accidents per day just after Big Moody Curve on Highway 17, the CHP notified Caltrans to clean up the roadway. However, it doesn’t address the fact that the road is consistently wet over two lanes, even on dry days, which is causing several collisions per day.
Angie Fenton Los Gatos
A This is the latest hot spot on Highway 17. Here is what a CHP patrol officer said in a pointed radio message:
“17 southbound just south of Brush, wood debris on right-hand shoulder and mud on roadway. Mud is slippery and possibly contributing to increase in collisions in this area . ... Let DOT know they need to clean it thoroughly. This would include all wood logs, sweeping the road and shoulder and a barrier to keep debris from sliding into the roadway. This is a recurring problem and needs to be fixed.”
Caltrans says the debris is being removed, but warns drivers that this is a concern at numerous other locations. According to a Caltrans spokesman, the CHP says most of the accidents are a result of people going over the speed limit.
The road was paved a couple of years ago with material to allow water to seep through grooves as opposed to staying on the surface, but the storms overwhelmed the area at Big Moody.
Q Another section of Highway 17 is on the verge of collapsing, approximately four-tenths of a mile before the Redwood Estates turn-off. I’m hoping you will alert Caltrans before someone gets hurt there. I’m convinced they would listen to you much better than to me. Please! Gretchen Hill Redwood Estates
A They have been alerted. But until repairs are complete, slow down. Please!
Q Thanks for sharing the story behind Jeffrey-the-Giraffe along Highway 85 (Roadshow, March 23). My 3-year-old was obsessed with the giraffe on our morning commute. She would say hi and wave on her way by and was sad when we couldn’t see it anymore. She has missed it since and will be excited when the giraffe returns.
Thank you to the family, too, for giving us a few minutes of smiles each day in traffic. Tony Lecheler Morgan Hill
A Smiling during the commute is good.
Q We need more Jeffreys on Bay Area roads to brighten our day. Mike Smith
A Be on the lookout in the coming days on Highway 85 near the Blossom Hill Road exit. Paul Mein and his brother Randy are hatching a surprise for 4-year-old Mara, whose grandmother first brought this to our attention. Here’s more about that ...
Q They are about to put up a nice surprise for the little girl. Randy has created many different animals for children but it is just a hobby and although he has been asked many times to do it as a business he won’t. He says it would take all the fun out of it. So, watch the wall. Margaret Mein Mother of the animal artists
A I know of two little girls who will be watching.
Follow Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr. roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup.com.