Q: Why do people drive so damn fast?
Bruce Arvin
A: Beats me. But here is the word from a reformed speeder.
Q: I drive over Highway 17 twice a week and know the road really well. I used to try and beat the estimated arrival time on Waze by at least a couple of minutes until I got a ticket for doing 80. I realized I was endangering myself and others and resolved to take it easier.
Now I stay at the 50 mph limit in the slow lane and watch all the speedsters zip by, shaking my head. I no longer feel the need to compete. It’s amazing how much more relaxed I am when I arrive, even if it’s a minute or two later than projected. It truly is better to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Doug Edwards
A: I wish others heeded your advice.
Q: When I see someone going well over the “normal” I-280 speeds of 75-80 mph in a dangerous way, I call 911 and alert the CHP. I always get a ‘thank you’ for my trouble. I believe I am possibly saving the life of the driver or someone else.
Bob Pierce, Los Altos
A: You may be right.
Q: Traveling south on Highway 17, I found it difficult to make a smooth exit at Highway 9. Tree branches cover the exit sign making it invisible until I’m right under it. Can something be done about trimming that stuff?
Gayle Smalley, San Jose
A: Yep. Caltrans will implement intermittent daytime closures on 17 between Idylwild Road and Redwood Estates to remove dead and diseased trees from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Monday and through the end of March.
Q: Can you tell us if the repaving project on Capitol Expressway in San Jose will ever be completed? The section from Almaden Expressway to Seven Trees is nicely done, but the section from Seven Trees to Highway 101 still badly needs attention.
Kim Coutts, San Jose
A: I bring a mixed bag of news. First, this segment of Capitol Expressway was microsurfaced a few years back and while the county has made some repairs, officials say overall it is holding up relatively well. It’s due to get a repaving job in five years. The microsurface seal is meant to delay the deterioration of the relatively good pavement but won’t necessarily improve the ride.
But there’s better news on a trio of other expressways.
This spring Almaden Expressway will be repaved from Blossom Hill Road to Harry Road. And this summer Montague Expressway from Trimble Road to I-880 and Lawrence Expressway from Highway 101 to Highway 237 will be repaved.
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.
