Q: Do you have any update on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge emergency project? It would be great to know how long the lengthy commutes will last.
Cornelia Provos, Forest Knolls
A: Work to replace the joints on the Interstate 580 Richmond-San Rafael Bridge could be done in a couple more weeks. Caltrans has replaced 29 of 31 joints by a new joint that features a rubberized seal designed to shrink and expand with changing temperatures. This will prevent cracking of the surrounding concrete road deck.
There’s more. Next year crews will return to replace another 30 joints. So patience is needed.
Q: I was in line to pay the Benicia Bridge toll and couldn’t figure out why every vehicle was taking so long. Feeling smug with my $5 ready in hand I got up to the booth and found out the fee was $6. So, like everyone else, I held up the line while I retrieved my purse and got the extra $1. Why on earth can’t the fee be posted on the electronic board which indicates which lines are open?
Sheila Owen, San Jose
A: You missed two signs on the northbound approach to the bridge and the sign posted on the side of the toll booth. Both of the northbound signs are on the right side of the freeway prior to the Marina Vista exit. The first reads “Auto Toll $6. Effective 1/1/19.” The next list tolls for various axle counts beginning with two-axle $6.
Q: The CHP suggested I contact you about the metering lights to Interstate 80 at the Nevin/Macdonald westbound ramp in Richmond. I typically use this ramp in the noontime hours when there is little but fast-moving freeway traffic. It is difficult to get up to speed to merge with freeway traffic, especially when the entrance ramp quickly turns into an exit only and adjacent off ramp onto Cutting with faster traffic exiting there.
One day last week I was the only car at that ramp. Both metering lights were red until I stopped where I triggered the green. But an impatient approaching Mercedes swerved around to my right on the shoulder to pass me at a high rate of speed.
I thought that the freeways are supposed to be smart enough to know when traffic is heavy or slow to trigger the lights on or off. Are you aware of this problem?
Kirk Essler, Richmond
A: Oh, yes. But it is the lesser of two evils. Caltrans went to all day meters a few years ago and felt it was better to set them on red so drivers slow as they approach the lights.
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