Can’t the state design a safe 101/ 880 freeway interchange?

Q

Will there ever be a real freeway interchange at 101/880 that doesn’t involve risking your life? … Is anything ever going to be done about the atrocious interchange at Interstate 880 and Highway 101? This has been a nightmare since the ’70s. … I-880 south to 101 south is a nightmare of biblical proportions. It’s frustrating that this is worse than any other part of my 40mile commute to Newark. — Ricardo Alvarez, M. Bong, Diana Paulson, and zillions more

A

Nothing immediate, and by immediate I mean nothing major for probably a decade. To rebuild this disaster could cost $1 billion. A glimmer of hope could come sooner, as the VTA is scoping out improvements on 101 at Old Oakland, Mabury and Zanker roads that would not preclude the ability to make improvements at 101/I-880.

The interchange was built in the early ’60s, then upgraded in 1997. Gregthe-Caltrans-Historian agrees that it’s been substandard for years.

Q

So if the interchange can’t be fixed, is there any other option being considered? Impatient drivers merge 2, 3 or 4 lanes at the last moment so they can merge into the exit lane to 101 south. Seriously, is there anything that can be done?

— Charlie Passalacqua,

San Jose

A

This is a tough area for the CHP, as their presence might make the backups even worse, Widening the ramps may be considered. Maybe.

Q

Here’s an idea to help ease rush-hour congestion from southbound 880 onto southbound 101. The 880 carpool lane currently ends exactly where the freeways come together, on top of the overpass ramp. Simply end the carpool lane ¼-mile sooner, letting solo drivers shift completely left and clearing the right-hand lanes for those merging onto 101. Many drivers already do this illegally. Since the carpool lane ends in any case, what’s the harm?

— Larry Loper, San Jose

A

Other drivers agree with you. There are plans to extend the 880 carpool lane to I-280 or add more merging lanes, but again that’s many years away. And I’m not sure it would ease traffic at 101/880.

One hope is a little north of here at 101-87 where a second southbound exit lane is coming. That may cause some drivers to avoid 101-880.

Q

This would be a perfect location for an Interstate 110 type overpass, keep everyone on the bottom for non-carpool, and then the overpass is a one- or two-lane carpool only section that rejoins the commute somewhere around Oakland Road, or south. — M.J.

A

That’s what we have at 85-101 in Mountain View and in South San Jose.

Q

Use eminent domain. Condemn buildings around 101 and 880 and build a flyover.

— Gary M., San Jose

A

That’s what it may take.