Q: Regarding the spectacular Interstate 580 repair job, it looks like Caltrans used a new method in Mountain View as well. They paved Highway 237 between the Central Expressway and El Camino, and we call it the “Highway of the Future.” It’s night and day compared to other roads, and our EV feels like it’s flying.
Jim Linder, San Jose
Q: Good to hear. I would like to hear from people who have run roads that have done so well, or know about other areas that need improvement.
Q: Gary, I’ve been a loyal reader of your column for many years and it’s clear you do amazing work with government agencies. I have filed several road maintenance requests and called Caltrans about North 280 to Race Street and the Southwest Expressway and the Lincoln Avenue overpass in San Jose. The problem is the grade difference between the asphalt and concrete finish. Caltrans placed filler asphalt to pave the road, but to no avail.
The grade difference is huge. Many vehicles pass by this place every day. It is unclear if permanent repairs will ever be made. Help.
Daniel Akaki, San Jose.
A: I’ve been behind Caltrans to fix this for a long time. They say they will go to see what they can do to fix it.
Q: I was going south on the 101 and took the Brokaw Road exit. If my GPS didn’t tell me where to turn, I would have stopped exiting because the trail is mostly covered by trees. Hopefully it can be trimmed.
I ride my bike more. When I ride it on the Foothill Expressway, between the El Monte and Loyola Corners exits in Los Altos, bushes spill over into the bike lane. I hope they can be trimmed, but I’m not sure who to contact.
I only ride my bike up to Stevens Canyon on the weekends to avoid the weekday truck traffic to the mine. Passing Mount Eden Road on Stevens Canyon Road, there is a slide with caution tape (the tape is now barely noticeable) right on the side of the road. I am concerned that the road there is very narrow when a vehicle passes. Will it ever be fixed? Also, some of the old wooden bridges before Redwood Gulch Road look like they are falling apart, at least the top railing. Are there any plans to replace them? Finally, there are openings/potholes between Redwood Gulch Road and Mount Eden Road that make me worry that I might get wiped out if I hit them the wrong way.
Lisa Twardowski, Mountain View
A: Your concerns have been noted. I have forwarded them to the concerned agencies. Reforms are coming, hopefully soon.
Find Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.