To: Malcolm Dougherty, Caltrans Director
SB101 to H25 Offramp
Commuters desperately need improved safety for the exit to CA Hwy 25 from SB CA Hwy 101. During the evening commute hours traffic backs up onto SB101. There are only two lanes and tight shoulders here which leave little room for error.
Redesigning this interchange to eliminate congestion is an appropriate long term solution, however something needs to be done in the interim. Some ideas might include an intelligent traffic signal, a detour for Hwy 25 to SB101, an extension of the exit lane and shoulder to Castro Valley Road for SB101 to Hwy 25 traffic. A simple "Emergency Stopping Only" sign at the top of the ramp.
We are resolved to see a safe solution created which mitigates the dangers posed by traffic backing up at this offramp location.
Redesigning this interchange to eliminate congestion is an appropriate long term solution, however something needs to be done in the interim. Some ideas might include an intelligent traffic signal, a detour for Hwy 25 to SB101, an extension of the exit lane and shoulder to Castro Valley Road for SB101 to Hwy 25 traffic. A simple "Emergency Stopping Only" sign at the top of the ramp.
We are resolved to see a safe solution created which mitigates the dangers posed by traffic backing up at this offramp location.
Why is this important?
During the early evening commute hours, traffic backs up, sometimes as far as Castro Valley Rd. (The Gavilian College Exit.) This backup most likely results from people stopping at the top of the offramp to let others get onto the SB101 onramp. This "courteous" gesture places those exiting SB101 in grave danger. Most people traveling down 101 are not aware they're approaching stopped cars at the speed limit or better. Commuters desperately need Caltrans to take action.