Q: It was fantastic to get all of the rain final weekend; nevertheless, it additionally introduced the problem of seeing the painted white dividers on concrete roadways and bridges.
Whereas touring to Pittsburg on Sunday, I observed many of us wandering facet to facet as they tried to navigate on this state of affairs.
Why not merely paint black strains on the concrete roadway? Black on white works even at night time.
John Maguire, Benicia
A: Good concept, says Caltrans, and it’s one they’re pursuing. The state plans to make use of extra distinction striping, a white line flanked by black stripes. They’re growing the width of all 4-inch-wide visitors strains to 6-inch-wide strains, and utilizing extra thermoplastic pavement markings for lane strains. These appear to be paint however are reflective, extra sturdy and are melted onto the pavement.
Q: I used to be coming dwelling Sunday night time on Freeway 87 from Taylor Avenue to Blossom Avenue. It was darkish and pouring rain and it’s been a very long time since I’ve been that scared.
The lane markers on that stretch are non-existent. The reflector dots are principally gone and the white lane markers have been both gone or so faint that they have been ineffective. It was very troublesome to know if I used to be inside a lane or not. One thing must be finished earlier than the subsequent huge rain, or individuals could also be significantly harm.
Rob Jones, San Jose
A: Caltrans is on it. For a selected highway drawback, the quickest strategy to report it to Caltrans is to submit a service request at https://csr.dot.ca.gov/. It may be used for any upkeep challenge on state highways.
Q: Simply curious, what number of different states require license plates on the front and back of autos? Is that this frequent or a California quirk? Personally, I really feel it’s a good coverage.
Tom Darby, San Jose
A: Nothing quirky. Thirty states plus Washington, D.C., require two plates.
Q: I’ve lately observed the brilliant yellow borders on visitors lights and am very impressed. They make the lights so, so seen. Most are put in on lights with timber behind them so an intersection’s cease lights might have borders on one or two requirements whereas the remainder are frameless. Have you learnt who had this good concept? It’s such a pleasure to see one thing with such apparent advantages.
Sue Yeager, San Jose
A: This concept was permitted by the Federal Freeway Administration and California was the primary state to make use of them in 2009. The yellow reflective backplates make visitors lights extra conspicuous. That is particularly necessary at night time, and when a utility shuts off energy. The frames additionally present higher context for drivers who’re colorblind.
Search for Gary Richards at Fb.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
