Q: When in the name of new asphalt will the city or state re-pave El Camino Real in Santa Clara? It’s a disgrace to those who live and work in the valley. I realize that any state roadway such as El Camino falls under Caltrans responsibility, but couldn’t the city address this now and seek reimbursement from the state later? Try driving across Kiely Boulevard and you’ll see what I mean.
Kevin Collopy
Santa Clara
A: Next to the potholes on Interstate 580, El Camino ranks as the worst road I know of. The pavement quality is significantly lower on many non-freeway routes, with 57 percent of the 231 lane-miles on El Camino Real and 38 percent of Route 1 in distressed condition.
But don’t look for the city to bail out Caltrans.
Q: I have tried and tried to get Caltrans to take some action on El Camino Real from San Mateo to Millbrae to no avail. The road is so full of potholes, and people trying to avoid them that I am continually dodging other drivers coming at me head on in my lane as they swerve to avoid large potholes.
John Dolan
A: The state has plans to repave El Camino from Interstate 880 to Lawrence Expressway next year and from Highway 237 to the San Mateo County line in 2021. And they are looking at using some of the new gas tax funds to speed up this work and go into San Mateo County.
Q: You frequently talk about the 55-mph speed limit for trucks and autos pulling trailers.
How about you take one of your reader polls and ask if anyone has ever witnessed one of these vehicles complying with this law, especially big rigs and high-end motorhomes pulling their dingy vehicles on Interstate 5?
Brock Carpenter
Cupertino
A: The poll is open.
Q: The real question about the use and high cost of replacing Xenon bulbs in Larry Schwarcz’s wife’s car should be, “Is an increased 11 percent plus safety (higher for head-on collisions) worth $165 every several years to you?”
Lisa Sinizer
San Jose
A: Good point. You can also go online and order replacement bulbs for around $100.
Q: Who says you can’t have your music and traffic, too? Station owner Bob Kieve had a great idea to report traffic at the end of every song we play at KLIV (1590-AM).
“When the music stops the traffic begins.”
John McLeod
A: Bob has a lot of great ideas. The new schedule began last week and their focus is on Silicon Valley and the South Bay.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
