Why can’t Caltrans use time of light traffic to do roadwork?

Q There’s very little traffic. Tell Caltrans to speed up its (work) schedule. — Tony Lima, San Francisco

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Anyone else?

Q

Interstate 880 through Hayward. Potholes galore and bumps. Why can’t they repave the freeway while there are very few cars on the road? … Also, Highway 101 has a lot of potholes. … Is Caltrans speeding up any construction now that it could close down a lane or two with little effect all day, compared with a previous normal time? … Are there projects that could be accelerated to take advantage of the light traffic during the COVID-19 shutdown, like Highway 101 at Alemany Circle? — W.C. Mcdill, Michael Schulman, Bruce Lee and many more A Caltrans’ priority is to maintain access to medical facilities and continuing safe highway operations such as on Interstate 5, where truck traffic remains heavy. Crews are still reporting to handle hazards, safety concerns and other critical functions on the highways. However, the state is deferring some nonessential tasks to limit the exposure to COVID-19.

Here are some updates:

• Work on express lanes on Interstates 680 and 880 continues in Alameda County. Lighter traffic has prompted Caltrans to approve longer windows for construction-related lane closures.

• The contractor on the I-680 carpool and express lane project in Contra Costa County is implementing a plan to accelerate construction, and potentially complete the next phase by the end of this year — one year early. Because of the extremely light traffic on I-680, they have requested and received enhanced lane closure authorization from Caltrans, which will allow them to work into the daylight hours (previously they were only allowed to work at night).

• The I-680/state Route 4 Interchange project also has received approval to work longer hours at night.

• Caltrans is performing emergency overnight roadwork on southbound 101 between northbound Vermont Street and the César Chávez exit in San Francisco. This is near San Francisco General Hospital and the related “Hospital Curve” landmark. This could close three of four lanes on some on-ramps and offramps. Q During my 20-mile bike ride last week, I counted 23 surgical type gloves lying next to the roadway along Foothill Expressway and Alpine Road. Please remind folks not to throw used gloves (or any trash) out of their vehicles. This type of debris doesn’t decompose and will pollute our creeks, bay, and ocean. Instead, keep a plastic trash bag in the car/truck to collect used gloves and other garbage. Dispose of these trash bags in designated waste receptacles, not out vehicle windows. — Genevieve Halvorsen

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Well-stated, especially about the impact on our waterways.