Highway 4 isn’t a favorite for motorists but relief is coming
QI hate Highway 4 and only use it when I am desperate. — Therese Konz, Antioch
AComplaints like this keep roaring in about this highway.
QWe travel Highway 4 often to visit our daughters in Danville and Pleasant Hill. Highway 4 has become a speedway. I estimate that 95 percent of drivers are going faster than 65 mph. It’s more like 75, 80, 85-plus.
These drivers are cutting in and out of lanes, tailgating and making unsafe lane changes. They are putting innocent lives at risk. My concern is that there is no CHP presence on Highway 4. No motorcycle officers or patrol cars with a radar gun pointed and giving citations to slow these speeders down. — George Papazian, Brentwood
AGradually, more CHP officers are being hired. One problem is that the high cost of living in the Bay Area leads many to transfer to areas where housing is more affordable.
ABut there is encouraging news. Construction of a new interchange at Interstate 680 and Highway 4 should begin in late 2021.
QWith the new law requiring all cars to have either a dealer-issued temporary paper plate or a DMV permanent plate, are officers going to start issuing tickets to those who cover their plates with shields that make it difficult to read? The shields allegedly obscure the plates so HOV/Express Lane bridge cameras can’t clearly photograph them. Some say they use the shields to protect the plate from registration tag theft, but I see them on front plates too. Speaking of front plates, will the dealer-issued temporary paper plates be issued for the front too? — Darlene Brannen, San Jose Ross-the-CHP-Man says, “We have always been issuing citations for anything covering the license plates, both front and rear. There cannot be any type of material, clear or obscured covering the plates.”
And two temporary plates will be issued by dealers.
QDo I need to change my lane when driving across the Dumbarton Bridge? I have been using the far left carpool lane in my 2014 Prius that had green stickers. — Larry V.
AOnly cars with the new red DMV decals can use the bridge carpool lanes with just a solo driver.
QI was driving the San Mateo Bridge from Hayward to San Mateo, and right after the toll booths there is an ambercolored message sign. It was so bright, I couldn’t see the lane markings for 100 feet to 100 yards because of the glare. That seems so dangerous. Can this be adjusted? — Pam Stewart, Santa Clara
AI passed your concern onto bridge officials but it’s unlikely since the signs on the bridge need to stand out. But new striping will be coming. Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat at noon today at www. mercurynews.com/livechats.