Express lanes on 101 can be a wild ride: Roadshow

Q: Why hasn’t Caltrans used solid white lines to separate the express lanes from regular traffic on Highway 101 in San Mateo County?

Alameda County uses double solid white lines to tell drivers they can’t move between lanes along Interstate 880. But on 101 from Highway 85 through San Mateo County, they use dashed lane lines. This creates a traffic hazard as it allows drivers to zip in and out of lanes. There seems to be an upswing in the number of accidents since the dashed white lines were installed.

Eileen S.

A: Each agency overseeing express lanes is able to set its own rules. When express lanes on Interstates 680 and 880 opened, drivers howled that they could not reach their exit because it is illegal to cross solid white lines.

In San Mateo County, the agency did not want to repeat that experience, so they allow cars to enter and exit express lanes along 101.

Q: I’d like some help with getting a metering light replaced.

In downtown San Jose, the southbound Highway 87 onramp from westbound Julian Street has two lanes. The metering light for the left lane was knocked down many months ago, and hasn’t been replaced. Now drivers in the left lane are very confused, and they either try to follow the right-lane metering light, or just blow through without stopping (very dangerous).

With more people returning to the office, this is becoming a concern as afternoon traffic on 87 continues to grow. Could you contact The Powers That Be to get this replaced soon?

Jason Wan, San Jose

A: The metering light will be replaced but Caltrans is behind on getting them installed. Right now, the cars in the lane without a metering light can proceed without slowing, but should do so cautiously.

Q: Help, please!  Each weekday, I must walk by the carport of a young man who has one new Toyota Camry and another older car. He was told by several mechanics that all cars must be warmed up for five to ten minutes before driving, when the engines are cold.