What's your least favorite roadway in the Bay Area?
Q Around three years ago, I wrote you about the bad (maybe even horrible by now) condition of Highway 87 from Taylor Street to where it joins Highway 85.
You said then that repairs were coming in a few months. What they did comes closest to being called Band-Aids, and there were not very many of them. The road is now in even worse shape. Some of the BandAids now need BandAids. There are many potholes and problems where the pavement adjoins another lane, side by side.
Many of these flaws are dangerous and nearly all of them are a supreme embarrassment to our city for visitors to see and experience.
Let me ask you again: Are any genuine repairs (new pavement in all lanes and ramps) slated for any time in the 21st century, but hopefully sooner than the turn of yet another century? — Donald C. Barnett
A Caltrans reports that pavement repairs will be coming prior to October 2023. The exact schedule is still needed from the contractor.
Q Why is the southern section of Highway 87 the most neglected roadway in our area? Only El Camino Real in Mountain View is decent competition for being named the worst roadway. — Donald C. Barnett
A OK, it's time for another contest. Give me your thoughts on which streets or freeways in the Bay Area are most in need of repair right now. The contest winner will receive $50 and his or her name will be randomly drawn from among those who nominate the roadway that readers hate the most.
Q Today I was on Northrup Avenue, trying to get onto Lincoln Avenue. This intersection includes Savaker, Lincoln and Northrup, and signs on the island that prohibit various turns and traffic flows.
The “wrong way” sign facing southbound Lincoln obstructs the view of oncoming traffic when vehicles on Northrup are stopped and trying to continue northbound on Lincoln. The sign should be raised or moved back to allow a clear view of oncoming traffic. — Brian Serpa, San Jose
A The city's traffic safety team went out to investigate this location and agreed with you. They will relocate and raise the signs farther back, and will use a slimmer signpost to improve the visibility of oncoming Lincoln Avenue southbound traffic.
At the Northrup northbound intersection approach, they will also remove the “No Left Turn” sign at the edge of the median island and install chatter bars in between the gap of the double yellow lines. The intention is to continue restricting left turns into the driveway, and avoid confusion for Northrup outbound drivers.
The public can always share their safety concerns directly with the city by emailing traffic. safety@sanjoseca.gov.