Q: Even before the expansion joint repairs on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, traffic was slow getting to the bridge because of the cash tollbooths. If cash options can be eliminated on the Golden Gate Bridge, why can’t the same thing be done on the Richmond Bridge? On some mornings traffic is backed up for a mile. At the best of times it’s a 15-minute trip to see my grandkids. At the worst, 50 minutes. That’s a lot of wasted gasoline.
Jeremy Conn, Point Richmond
A: We will see open roads (no toll booths) as early as the end of 2021 at the Richmond and Carquinez spans and on the San Mateo and Dumbarton bridges a couple of years later. No date on when the toll booths on the Bay Bridge could be gone. That is a much more complicated job.
Q: I am very curious about the huge slabs of concrete being poured at Highway 4 and Interstate 680. I have never seen this type of work before.
Scott Anders
A: This is material for what is called deep lift concrete placement. It’s a Light Cellular Concrete (LCC) that is used under the roadway to raise the elevation of the approaches to the new bridge being built over Grayson Creek. The new bridge is higher in elevation to accommodate anticipated higher creek levels in the future.
The material is used as fill instead of using the more typical soil embankment because it weighs much less. A comparable amount of soil would take much more time to settle, therefore, slowing down the construction of the new road. There is a short time window to work in the creek due to environmental concerns and settlement time was purposely reduced with the use of LCC.
Anything else, Scott?
Q: I live in Discovery Bay and work in Richmond. I know, I know — 53 miles one way but the drive is worth it.
Scott Anders
A: Why is that?
Q: I get to fish for Large Mouth Bass, Stripers and Salmon in my backyard. We are connected to the estuary and I can drop a boat in the water and go all the way out under the Golden Gate Bridge. It is so quiet and the animal life out there is awesome.
Scott Anders
A: My late dad and fishing lover would have been so envious.
Q: From White Road up to Mt. Hamilton Road in San Jose, the pavement on Alum Rock Avenue is horrible. Drivers swerve in and out to avoid the potholes. Why would they let Alum Rock deteriorate to such a degree?
David Cohen, San Jose
A: This is a state highway and money has been so tight. But not anymore. Pavement work will begin later this month from White to Hamilton.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
