Santa Clara Expressways plan update

[bing101]

http://www.cyclelicio.us/2014/santa-clara-expressways-plan-update/

So far Lawrence expressway has been mentioned as the one thats subjected to grade separation. As far as I know there were meeting in the past month to make it a grade separated more like a freeway that met Caltrans standards.

http://moderntransit.org/expy/expy-system.html

http://moderntransit.org/expy/index.html

[myosh_tino]

So far Lawrence expressway has been mentioned as the one thats subjected to grade separation. As far as I know there were meeting in the past month to make it a grade separated more like a freeway that met Caltrans standards.

Freeway that meets Caltrans' standards?  I don't think so.

I've had a look at the proposal and it appears the county is going to put the exit and entrance ramps in the middle of the expressway due to the lack of right-of-way.  Left exits and entrances are definitely a no-no when it comes to freeway design (Caltrans or otherwise).

[TheStranger]

I've had a look at the proposal and it appears the county is going to put the exit and entrance ramps in the middle of the expressway due to the lack of right-of-way.  Left exits and entrances are definitely a no-no when it comes to freeway design (Caltrans or otherwise).

The major exception being exits to/from carpool lanes!  Though this so far seems to be limited to the Eastshore Freeway portion of I-80.

[Henry]

I've had a look at the proposal and it appears the county is going to put the exit and entrance ramps in the middle of the expressway due to the lack of right-of-way.  Left exits and entrances are definitely a no-no when it comes to freeway design (Caltrans or otherwise).

The major exception being exits to/from carpool lanes!  Though this so far seems to be limited to the Eastshore Freeway portion of I-80.

Another difference is that Caltrans seems to be very strict about its designations. No matter what shield it bears (Interstate, US or miner's spade), if a highway is limited-access with no cross traffic anywhere, then it is a freeway. So perhaps, the Lawrence Freeway would be appropriate for this project, if all the cross traffic is to be eliminated there.

[myosh_tino]

Another difference is that Caltrans seems to be very strict about its designations. No matter what shield it bears (Interstate, US or miner's spade), if a highway is limited-access with no cross traffic anywhere, then it is a freeway. So perhaps, the Lawrence Freeway would be appropriate for this project, if all the cross traffic is to be eliminated there.

Lawrence Freeway?  Probably not and here's why.

I do not believe that access will be limited, just that at-grade intersections will be eliminated and grade-separated.  There are a number of right-in, right-out driveways that serve local businesses along that particular stretch of Lawrence so technically it wouldn't be "limited access".

The proposed improvements are along an approximately 1 mile portion of Lawrence Expwy so it wouldn't make much sense to rename a 1 mile segment to Lawrence Fwy while the other 7 miles remain Lawrence Expwy.

[TheStranger]

I do not believe that access will be limited, just that at-grade intersections will be eliminated and grade-separated.  There are a number of right-in, right-out driveways that serve local businesses along that particular stretch of Lawrence so technically it wouldn't be "limited access".

So the end result for this section...seems to be a lot like what I've described as "Jersey freeway" over the years (i.e. NJ 17) - right-in/right-out entrances to businesses/shopping centers, grade-separated crossings for actual through roads.

[Henry]

Another difference is that Caltrans seems to be very strict about its designations. No matter what shield it bears (Interstate, US or miner's spade), if a highway is limited-access with no cross traffic anywhere, then it is a freeway. So perhaps, the Lawrence Freeway would be appropriate for this project, if all the cross traffic is to be eliminated there.

Lawrence Freeway?  Probably not and here's why.

I do not believe that access will be limited, just that at-grade intersections will be eliminated and grade-separated.  There are a number of right-in, right-out driveways that serve local businesses along that particular stretch of Lawrence so technically it wouldn't be "limited access".

The proposed improvements are along an approximately 1 mile portion of Lawrence Expwy so it wouldn't make much sense to rename a 1 mile segment to Lawrence Fwy while the other 7 miles remain Lawrence Expwy.

Forgive me, then. I think you have a point there in that it would be more than an expressway, but less than a real freeway.

[DTComposer]

FWIW, there's some fascinating planning maps and aerial photos relating to the planning of Santa Clara County's freeway and expressways, take a look at some of Eric Fischer's photos on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=24431382@N03&q=santa%20clara

[mrsman]

These expressways are a great system.  Much cheaper to build then freeways, yet provide great connectivity around the region.

In many other Metro areas, you are stuck with city streets with lights at almost every block, so everyone heads for the interstates even for intra-regional travel, and even if they have to go somewhat out of their way.  I wish more metro areas had these types of "fast streets" for locals to use.