Q With all the news about the Interstate 80 Smart Corridor to the Bay Bridge, I wonder if drivers are smart enough to deal with it or maybe too selfish.
It’s a great idea to tell folks which lanes are moving ahead of them so they can merge in plenty of time. In reality, what will happen is that some cars will merge over and others will take advantage of the less-crowded lane, zoom to where the problem or slowdown is, and then force their way back in, causing all lanes to slow down.
This already happens in Emeryville on 80 south where cars stay in the San Francisco-bound lanes to get an advantage, then cut into the 880 or 580 portions at the last minute.
We’ll see if technology can change rude behavior, but I doubt it.
Andy Newell
San Jose
A I hope you’re wrong. Dive-bombers make traffic much worse.
So, readers, tell me: How have drivers been behaving on I-80 since the Smart Corridor went into effect?
Q If the state deems it necessary to have express lane hours in place from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., why aren’t all carpool lanes moved to this schedule?
Shawn Kenning
Fremont
A Good question. But can you imagine the uproar if these hours were extended to almost all day immediately?
When electronic tolling-express lanes are installed, this will make it easier to extend HOV hours from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and provide an incentive for carpoolers and those willing to pay a toll.
Q I’m troubled by the incredible daily backups of the evening commute eastbound on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The bridge long ago had three lanes heading east. For various reasons, the bridge was reduced to two lanes.
There is a move afoot to relieve the backups and make the eastbound direction three lanes again, but it apparently will take several years to accomplish this seemingly simple task.
Why is this taking so long? Just re-stripe the lanes! Folks will be so grateful.
Stu Kneeland
Marin
A Finally, you are being heard. The third lane is coming back late next year.
A Caltrans spokesman told Channel 7 that the third lane is currently the shoulder and there’s work they have to do to widen it to build a new shoulder and new retaining wall.
Q Are large trucks like 18-wheelers allowed to use the express lanes on Interstate 580? I saw one the other day. Granted, it was in the right-hand lane of the two express lanes headed east but, still, that seems wrong.
Jennifer W.
Dublin
A It is wrong. Big rigs must stick to the far two right lanes no matter the time of day or the number of people in the cab.
Q How long is the Fremont DMV office going to be closed?
Mary Ramos
Fremont
A Until Sept. 19 for renovations. Go to www.dmv.ca.gov to renew registration and licenses, change your address, request a driver record or make an appointment.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
