Growing trend to put artwork on highway soundwalls, barriers

QWhy are red oblong ovals etched and painted on seemingly random portions of the new center barrier on Highway 101 in San Mateo County?

— Adam Geller, San Mateo

A The red ovals represent computer punch cards, inspired by the history of computing and innovation in Silicon Valley.

They are part of a growing trend in the region to try to improve the appearance of ugly concrete soundwalls. When the 85-101 interchange opened in Mountain View, a design featuring egrets was added on a soundwall near Shoreline Boulevard. There are more.

When the Caldecott Tunnel fourth bore opened, it featured six concrete architectural medallions of local landmarks, including Mount Diablo and wild deer. There are 96 oak leaves painted on a soundwall on Interstate 680 in Danville. A painting of sailboats adorns walls north of the Carquinez Bridge.

Q As we all know, the new Highway 101 express lanes have just opened. Let's review what happened. Were any new lanes added?

No. What happened is that, once again, the moneyed elite found a way to buy themselves out of a problem. Will an extra $10 or $20 a day bother someone making $250,000?

— Jim Maples, Palo Alto

A

I see your point. And it will be easier for people with high incomes to bear the toll lane fees. Most drivers who use the toll lane do so only when they need to, for a faster commute on a given day.

Q

Traffic on Interstate 280 will now increase with the opening of toll lanes on 101.

— George Badger

A

Maybe. Maybe not. We need to check back in a few weeks to see what impact the 101 express lanes have had on driver behavior, and traffic patterns.

Q

Every day when I'm driving in San Jose, I see someone on a bike coming at me on my side of the road. Maybe they're in the bike lane, maybe on the shoulder, maybe they're riding completely in my lane.

Then there are those who ride their bikes on the sidewalk. They could endanger people walking, pushing a stroller, or jogging.

We know the police won't stop someone riding their bike on the wrong side of the road. They won't even take the time to use the PA system on their patrol cars.

I propose that anyone who owns a bicycle register it, pay a (small) yearly fee and buy liability insurance! I'm sure if you publish this, it'll set off a firestorm with the biking community.

— Louis S., San Jose

A

Your points are well-made. Bicyclists need to ride safely, the same as any other person on the road. Would a small registration fee make a difference? I expect not.