Q: The badly needed fourth lane on north Interstate 680 through the Sunol Grade seems ready to open, but will it be a toll lane like on I-880?
Mike McGivern, Livermore
A: Hallelujah! The new lane opens Thursday as a regular carpool lane but will be converted to an express or toll lane sometime next year when electrical work wraps up. In 1999, the 9-mile trek from Auto Mall Parkway to Highway 84 ranked as the most congested location in the Bay Area, the only time I-80 east of the Bay Bridge didn’t hold the top spot since data was compiled five decades ago. I-680 now holds down the No. 4 spot.
The new lane between the Grimmer Undercrossing and Calaveras Road is open to carpools with two or more persons, vanpools, motorcycles, and transit vehicles. When toll lanes arrive, you’ll need a FasTrak flex tag and three people in a vehicle to get a free ride.
Here’s more about what’s ahead:
- There will be a two-lane off-ramp from north 680 to 84 going toward Livermore.
- There will be a continuous-access lane from Auto Mall Parkway to 84, plus a new auxiliary lane between Washington and Mission boulevards.
- There will be about 1,000 feet of distance for people to get out of the new lane and move to the right if they will be exiting to Livermore.
Q: I use the southbound 680 express lane every few weeks. I don’t mind paying whatever the going rate is in each segment. My question is: In the express lane, which we’ve paid dearly for, are we expected to go at the usual high speeds since it’s also “the fast lane?” I don’t want to go above 75 mph, but I have people tailing me at times.
But I’ve paid my money (sometimes a lot!) and am going at least 10 miles over the speed limit. What’s your take?
Jane Zuercher
A: OK, we both know the speed limit is 65 mph, but the reality can be much higher. I think 75 should be fast enough, but be careful as you can bet that some drivers will be clipping along at 80 or 85 mph.
Q: Last year, I saw a small dog get hurt when it sniffed a candle that was part of a Halloween decoration. Please keep your kids and pets safe.
Don Griswold, Campbell
A: Halloween candy, particularly containing chocolate, can be dangerous, even fatal, to pets. Lit candles or jack-o-lanterns can lead to burns. Glow sticks, some candy, decorations or parts of a pet’s costume could cause intestinal blockage and strangers in costumes, continuous door ringing and opening and closing of the door can stress your pet and give them opportunities to escape.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
Go to Source
Author: Gary Richards