Is there a different reason for debris problem on 101 that can't be swept away?

Q Someone wrote about a dusty section of Highway 101 in Sunnyvale, with rocks hitting windshields. You said it was construction in the area and sweepers soon would be out.

That is not what is going on here.

If you recall, this section of southbound 101 between Fair Oaks and Bowers was paved quite a while ago with rubberized asphalt in an experiment. At first, it was amazing in the rain, draining water away below the surface. This resulted in great visibility.

Now everything is different. This section of road is disintegrating. I do not believe it will last much longer. It needs to be addressed this year.

— William Collins A The situation is worrisome. Russ-the-Asphalt-Guy says that rubberized asphalt, as with any road surface, must be engineered and installed to exacting standards, and maintained properly. I have contacted Caltrans about the feedback you and Russ provided.

Q

The Santa Clara power outage revealed a serious problem. Few drivers stopped at signals that were out. Some even honked at vehicles that had entered the intersection legally. This issue needs to be identified in your column.

— B. Donoghue

A

When lights are out, treat it as a four-way stop. Each car stops when it reaches the intersection. The vehicle that arrives at the intersection first has the right of way. If another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection when you do, give the right of way to the person on your right. Proceed safely when it is your turn to go.

Q

I have attempted to get some response from Caltrans/VTA to clean up the large amount of graffiti on the supporting wall of the VTA light rail station on Hamilton at the offramp.

I reported it three separate times to Caltrans. The initial response was that the report had been received and would be addressed. A later response said that it was not within the Caltrans right of way. Then I called the Department of Transportation number for customer concerns. The message said would be a response within 72 hours, yet I am still waiting three weeks later. The blight on what was a nice-looking VTA stop encourages more of the same. If there is any way that you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. — Ann Segovia

A

A few days later …

Q

You are the best! I came home tonight and the graffiti is painted over. Whatever you did, it worked! Two days and it was all gone. I don't know how I can thank you enough. — Ann Segovia

A

After I shared your concern with StaceyThe-VTA-Spokesperson, she wrote to say they were taking care of it.