California

[sparker]

Notre Dame Avenue is the present point where Caltrans owner CA 109 begins north to CA 84.  What's interesting rereading the back story of 109 is that there has been a recommendation to EPA at least once that they relinquish the rest of University to US 101 to Caltrans, talk about a deviation from the regular norm.  Regardless of there was congestion pricing or whoever maintains University it is now a route to the Dumbarton Bridge.  The only real solution would be to get a fully limited access connection between US 101 and the Dumbarton Bridge.  That said 84, 109 and 114 lie on some very expensive developed land that which wouldn't fit the criteria for acquisition.  Looking at the surrounding terrain there doesn't appear to be an answer to relieving the traffic woes to any community with access to the Dumbarton Bridge. 

At this point, the only feasible route for a limited-access route to US 101 would be essentially an upgrade of CA 84 -- but that would only expedite traffic heading for Redwood City and points north and west of there; it wouldn't relieve any traffic heading to Palo Alto or points directly south.  Of course, a southeast bypass of EPA connecting with US 101 at the Oregon Expressway (county G3) would be optimal for that traffic pattern -- but AFAIK nothing of the sort has ever been proposed;  the deletion, decades ago, of the basic CA 87 corridor up the west side of the bay gave an indication that Caltrans isn't particularly interested in any facility that requires construction in the bay's wetlands -- and a bypass around the east and south sides of EPA would certainly be an incursion into that territory.   And the observation as to the placement of "Zuckerbergland" along East Willow (CA 114) has created a problem inasmuch as the facility is an employment magnet that just happens to be located at the collection point of a regional chokepoint (Dumbarton, of course).  But it seems Mark Z. had the $$ to essentially locate where he wanted, regardless of the consequences.  And yes, it's convenient to Facebook employees who locate in the East Bay for those relatively smallish savings in housing. 

This observation only takes into account current attitudes by the parties involved -- but down the line, it may be increasingly difficult to not plan some sort of additional access to Dumbarton from the major employment centers (after all, Google is located between 101 and the bay only a couple of exits south of Palo Alto).  And since many of the major regional employers (besides the two already cited) seem to have staked out territory east of US 101 (the "classic Silicon Valley" area flanking Central Expressway was functionally built out decades ago and that swath of land features much of the remaining open space), there might be pressure for more access corridors along the bay's southern reaches, wetland incursions or not.  This is something that may take decades to shake out -- and there's likely to be well-publicized conflicts between environmentalists and the tech firms dangling their feet in the Bay.

[bing101]

https://abc7news.com/grass-fire-closes-i-80-in-vallejo-at-carquinez-bridge/5651188/


A fire is reported at the Carquinez Bridge.

[gonealookin]

https://twitter.com/USDOTFHWA/status/1188900792905932800
http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/29/2019/new-segment-state-route-89-tahoe-city-opens

Next up, the replacement of the old 1920s Fanny Bridge upstream, a project that's now scheduled for work in 2021.

[Max Rockatansky]

https://twitter.com/USDOTFHWA/status/1188900792905932800
http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/29/2019/new-segment-state-route-89-tahoe-city-opens

Next up, the replacement of the old 1920s Fanny Bridge upstream, a project that's now scheduled for work in 2021.

Is the Fanny Bridge being rebuilt or is it a completely new structure?  On the Tahoe Transportion website they use the term "rebuilt"  which I took to mean the existing bridge would be still be utilized. 

[gonealookin]

The FHWA project page uses the word "replacement" and I've understood that to mean complete removal of the existing structure.

Work to construct a new roundabout at the wye intersection, replacement of the Fanny Bridge, and rebuilding SR 89 between the Fanny Bridge and new Transit Center entrance may begin in Spring 2021 and completed by Fall 2022. FLAP funds have been programmed to complete the remaining work and require a 21.5% local match to be provided. This work will be repackaged in a new contract pending the availability of funding.

As stated there, that's a separate contract, and I suppose if any portion of the existing bridge is to remain that will be stated in that contract.

[sparker]

The FHWA project page uses the word "replacement" and I've understood that to mean complete removal of the existing structure.

Work to construct a new roundabout at the wye intersection, replacement of the Fanny Bridge, and rebuilding SR 89 between the Fanny Bridge and new Transit Center entrance may begin in Spring 2021 and completed by Fall 2022. FLAP funds have been programmed to complete the remaining work and require a 21.5% local match to be provided. This work will be repackaged in a new contract pending the availability of funding.

As stated there, that's a separate contract, and I suppose if any portion of the existing bridge is to remain that will be stated in that contract.

The "Fanny Bridge" is unique in that the weir that regulates the Lake Tahoe outflow into the Truckee River is immediately adjacent to the bridge.  I wonder if a pedestrian (and possibly bike) facility will be rebuilt in that location, which would retain the tourist attraction to the location. 

[Buffaboy]

Here are some observations I've made after being in California for several months:

• There seem to be a lot of "undulations" and "speed tables" in the Sacramento area.
• Most left turn signals I've encountered are protected. Most multi-lane roads I've been on have one signal controlling multiple lanes
• California loves standalone signals on the left and right side of a road
• Most signals I've seen around Sacramento are pole mounted. In Buffalo they're usually string mounted.
• There are almost always reflector bumps on the road
• The infrastructure in general feels cleaner, but then I remind myself that CA doesn't take the same kind of abuse that roads in Upstate NY do
• The street blades are always informative and decorative no matter where you go. They'll say the street name, neighborhood, etc., and they're not just a standard green or blue

I'm missing a lot, but this is what I can think of off the top of my head.

Also, these are the most interesting signal heads I've ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Watt+Ave,+North+Highlands,+CA+95660/@38.6567596,-121.3827586,3a,75y,26.99h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbYYpIjiMY0cb_Z1j_RaYbg!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x809ad8e21d80dc0b:0x5812a0cd7cb77b7b

[jakeroot]

• Most left turn signals I've encountered are protected. Most multi-lane roads I've been on have one signal controlling multiple lanes
• California loves standalone signals on the left and right side of a road
• Most signals I've seen around Sacramento are pole mounted. In Buffalo they're usually string mounted.

To address these in order,

*(1a) I don't know why CA is so obsessed with protected-only lefts. There are many in WA as well, but far less than CA. It's really quite strange.

*(1b) CA generally prefers to spread out their signals, placing them on corners more often that most states, and generally using only one or two overhead signals, even with 2, 3, or 4+ through lanes. But there's almost always at least three through signals so it evens out just fine.

*(2) as I said above, the signals are more spread out. Many states cram everything overhead, but CA prefers spacing them out from left to right. Very few spots where you can't see a signal, which is the goal.

*(3) CA has used "mast arm" signals for a very long time. Span-wire signals are exceedingly rare. Of all states, they may have been using mast arms the longest.

[Plutonic Panda]

Does anyone know what the status is of Mulholland HGWY in Malibu between Cornell Rd. And Kanan? It has been closed for a year now. No doubt due to the storms and fires last season but why has it taken this long?

[roadfro]

Also, these are the most interesting signal heads I've ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Watt+Ave,+North+Highlands,+CA+95660/@38.6567596,-121.3827586,3a,75y,26.99h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbYYpIjiMY0cb_Z1j_RaYbg!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x809ad8e21d80dc0b:0x5812a0cd7cb77b7b

For me, it's an interesting array of mast arms and other signal mountings.

I've always been curious about these mast arms that curve down for the overhead left turn signals to hang lower above the median. There's a couple areas in northern California I've seen this (possibly just in or around Sacramento). It's very unique, but also seems like these would be more susceptible to damage. I guess I just am curious about that design choice.

[mrsman]

Also, these are the most interesting signal heads I've ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Watt+Ave,+North+Highlands,+CA+95660/@38.6567596,-121.3827586,3a,75y,26.99h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbYYpIjiMY0cb_Z1j_RaYbg!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x809ad8e21d80dc0b:0x5812a0cd7cb77b7b

For me, it's an interesting array of mast arms and other signal mountings.

I've always been curious about these mast arms that curve down for the overhead left turn signals to hang lower above the median. There's a couple areas in northern California I've seen this (possibly just in or around Sacramento). It's very unique, but also seems like these would be more susceptible to damage. I guess I just am curious about that design choice.

It is unique.  I think the reason for this type of design was that it was an improvement over the old design of putting the turn signal in the median.  This was very common throughout CA, but it got phased out as they saw that too many cars and trucks were striking them.  I think the signal designers understand that straight traffic will need a higer signal than turning traffic, since straight traffic is going faster and they need to see the signal from further away.  So in a way, this is a way to have the signal low without being mounted in the median.

Later designs proved that this wasn't necessary, so most left turn signals are on regular mast arms.  But for whatever reason, there are quite a few remaining in Sacramento.

[Buffaboy]

Also, these are the most interesting signal heads I've ever seen:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Watt+Ave,+North+Highlands,+CA+95660/@38.6567596,-121.3827586,3a,75y,26.99h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbYYpIjiMY0cb_Z1j_RaYbg!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x809ad8e21d80dc0b:0x5812a0cd7cb77b7b

For me, it's an interesting array of mast arms and other signal mountings.

I've always been curious about these mast arms that curve down for the overhead left turn signals to hang lower above the median. There's a couple areas in northern California I've seen this (possibly ju st in or around Sacramento). It's very unique, but also seems like these would be more susceptible to damage. I guess I just am curious about that design choice.

Yes I've seen those as well. Very unique.

[Max Rockatansky]

Spent some time updating and/or expanding my photo logs in the Bay Area this weekend:

CA 37

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJid49X

-  Two years ago I didn't really have a full chance at Blood Alley when I last drove CA 37.  Really this highway might be the absolute worst in the Bay Area and really needs at minimum a full resurfacing.  The causeway west of the Napa River west to Sears Point is always interesting north of San Pablo Bay.


I-80 east from CA 4 over the 1958 Carquinez Bridge to CA 37

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJi6nVx

I-80 west from CA 29 over 2003 Carquinez Bridge to Cummings Skyway

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJjru2J

-  No more active fires, lots of burn damage and cool bridge views.  I'll have something coming up for US 40 and the Benecia-Martinez Ferry soon.


CA 4 west of I-680 to I-80

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJi4LJX

-  I'll be fleshing this one out from I-5 in Stockton in a week or two.


I-680 from I-580 to CA 4

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJigszt

-  This was a fleshing out of a previous blog I did on the Martinez Bridges.


I-580 west from I-5 to the I-580 Truck Bypass Lanes

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJi74sx

-  Again this is an expansion of a previous blog I started from I-205.


I-5 West Side Freeway from CA 152 to I-580

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJjnvUb

-  I've been gradually working on getting a complete photolog from CA 99 northbound to I-580.  I'll probably start the blog on the history of the West Side Freeway since I have the northbound photos from CA 198 to I-580.


1938 Western Pacific Overpass of I-580 in Altamont Pass

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJjCGc5

-  I've been looking into doing a rail history of Altamont Pass to go along with the Lincoln Highway/US 48/US 50 stuff I did earlier on Gribblenation.


CA 116 from US 101 to CA 121

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJjD3uV

-  I wanted to try something new that didn't include a rush hour commute in the Bay Area or involved CA 37.  Nothing too special here but the portion on Stage Gulch Road is neat to look at.


CA 221

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJjtFVz

-  This one is a photo expansion for the existing CA 221 blog already upon Gribblenation.  I got a couple better shots of the CA 221 shield on CA 121 eastbound.


I also have a short album for CA 29 from Napa south to I-80 that I'll be adding by year end.  I want to say after that I'll really haven't covered in the Bay Area (aside from briefly in the CA 17 blog) will be I-880.

[gonealookin]

Caltrans will be closing gates on CA 1 at a couple spots in Monterey County when significant storms are approaching this winter.  Check before you go!

Caltrans will notify the public 48 hours before any potential closure to give the public time to prepare, stock up on necessary supplies and make alternate travel plans before then either confirming the closure 24 hours prior or providing new information.

The closures will take place at Mud Creek, about 9 miles north of the Monterey/San Luis Obispo county border, and Paul's Slide, which is about 13 miles north of Mud Creek.
...
"It might be another couple years (before the end of the preemptive closures),"  Cruz said. "We're just kind of taking it a year at a time, or a winter at a time, to see how the slope settles."

[Max Rockatansky]

Caltrans will be closing gates on CA 1 at a couple spots in Monterey County when significant storms are approaching this winter.  Check before you go!

Caltrans will notify the public 48 hours before any potential closure to give the public time to prepare, stock up on necessary supplies and make alternate travel plans before then either confirming the closure 24 hours prior or providing new information.

The closures will take place at Mud Creek, about 9 miles north of the Monterey/San Luis Obispo county border, and Paul's Slide, which is about 13 miles north of Mud Creek.
...
"It might be another couple years (before the end of the preemptive closures),"  Cruz said. "We're just kind of taking it a year at a time, or a winter at a time, to see how the slope settles."

That's what the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is for.  Southbound out of Monterey you get the best part of CA 1 in Big Sur plus the kick ass ascent to Jolon over the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

[Kniwt]

The Desert Sun of Palm Springs reports that the Roy's sign in Amboy (Old US 66) will be relit for the first time since the 1980s.
https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2019/11/14/roys-motel-and-cafe-sign-again-light-up-amboy-off-route-66/2581173001/

The ghost town is anchored by Roy's, a service station for tourists traveling along the highway. After it opened in 1938, owner Roy Crawl teamed up with Herman "Buster" Burris to grow the business to a 24-hour motel with six cottages, a café and a gas station. Amboy grew to 700 with a school and a post office.

But after Interstate 40 opened in 1973, it was the beginning of the end for the small town.

... Albert Okura spent $100,000 to restore the Roy's Motel and Café buildings and reopened the gas station in 2008. Five years later, he began seeking donations through Kickstarter to restore the famous neon sign that lit up the night sky in Amboy for miles.

On Saturday, there will be a relighting celebration for the sign that has not been turned on since the '80s.

[Max Rockatansky]

While they're at it maybe they can light up that rusting embossed US 66 shield on the white support beam below "Roy's."    

[cahwyguy]

Does anyone know what the status is of Mulholland HGWY in Malibu between Cornell Rd. And Kanan? It has been closed for a year now. No doubt due to the storms and fires last season but why has it taken this long?

They lost a bridge in the area of Troutdale -- see http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_f8c4e4d4-8559-11e9-9cbb-2b76e59516a6.html . It just reopened, but is one lane with phase control. But that looks to be temporary, and is likely just for residents. There's an article dated 10 days ago that indicates there will be a permanent replacement: https://supervisorkuehl.com/bridge-destroyed-by-2018-woolsey-fire-to-be-replaced/ . My guess is that the affected portion of Mulholland will be closed to general traffic until there is that permanent replacement.

According to https://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/, Kanan Dume appears to be open.

Also, according to that site, Mulholland is closed from Little Sycamore to PCH. That's some of the worst hit areas, and I'm guessing the road was undermined. I went to a summer camp in that area (at Yerba Buena and PCH) that was 98% destroyed by the fire; they don't expect to be rebuilt for another 3 years! (Temporary camp is at CSUCI). I did some searching, but couldn't find any articles with the specifics on the closures.

[Plutonic Panda]

^^^ Thank you for the information. That certainly makes to keep the road closed off until the full bridge opens. I am in this area all the time and I'm watching this bridge construction closely. For some reason I had assumed the bridge would be partially built and traffic shifted to the half built bridge. It doesn't look like there is room but I will drive back by there and have a look.

They seem to be taking their sweet time. The projects on Kanan south of Mulholland still are not finished either.

[Techknow]

Today I noticed some newly installed Interstate signs, I figure it would be worth sharing.

I believe the old signs were graffitied as opposed to a large signing project. What I noticed about these new signs is the numbers are larger and the state name is printed differently. This was at the Ocean Ave interchange for I-280 at SF. To compare this, I also took a photo of the freeway entrance sign at the Bosworth Street interchange a mile north and sure enough it has not been replaced recently. Are these signs the kind that Caltrans are installing throughout the state or a one-off?

[bing101]

Today I noticed some newly installed Interstate signs, I figure it would be worth sharing.

I believe the old signs were graffitied as opposed to a large signing project. What I noticed about these new signs is the numbers are larger and the state name is printed differently. This was at the Ocean Ave interchange for I-280 at SF. To compare this, I also took a photo of the freeway entrance sign at the Bosworth Street interchange a mile north and sure enough it has not been replaced recently. Are these signs the kind that Caltrans are installing throughout the state or a one-off?

Those jumbo interstate signs are in Fairfield, CA on I-80 entrance ramps at the Air Base Parkway entrance.

[Max Rockatansky]

The top two are probably local install jobs.  They lack the "property of the State of California"  at the bottom. 

[jakeroot]

I noticed this flashing yellow arrow-equipped intersection in Burbank just recently:

https://goo.gl/maps/4z6YSWCpmN6PQPUQ7 (only two of the four approaches....quite strange).

Are there any other flashing yellow arrows in the Valley? This one has been in-place for some time, and both replaced protected-only left turns.

EDIT: Found this webpage from the city of Burbank. Looks like the city has quite a few, and the above FYA was the very first.

[Techknow]

The top two are probably local install jobs.  They lack the "property of the State of California"  at the bottom.

Ah that's a good point, I forgot about that tag/inscription. According to GSV the shields that were replaced did have it, perhaps the city decided to take initiative in replacing them.

I noticed this flashing yellow arrow-equipped intersection in Burbank just recently:

https://goo.gl/maps/4z6YSWCpmN6PQPUQ7 (only two of the four approaches....quite strange).

Are there any other flashing yellow arrows in the Valley? This one has been in-place for some time, and both replaced protected-only left turns.

EDIT: Found this webpage from the city of Burbank. Looks like the city has quite a few, and the above FYA was the very first.

A couple of months ago, I was driving on Ralston Avenue in Belmont in San Mateo county coming from CA 92, and I saw a flashing yellow at an intersection. It's this one in GSV. Here's an article about it from the city website.

EDIT: Fixed GSV

[Max Rockatansky]

The top two are probably local install jobs.  They lack the "property of the State of California"  at the bottom.

Ah that's a good point, I forgot about that tag/inscription. According to GSV the shields that were replaced did have it, perhaps the city decided to take initiative in replacing them.

I noticed this flashing yellow arrow-equipped intersection in Burbank just recently:

https://goo.gl/maps/4z6YSWCpmN6PQPUQ7 (only two of the four approaches....quite strange).

Are there any other flashing yellow arrows in the Valley? This one has been in-place for some time, and both replaced protected-only left turns.

EDIT: Found this webpage from the city of Burbank. Looks like the city has quite a few, and the above FYA was the very first.

I was driving once on Ralston Avenue in Belmont in San Mateo county coming from CA 92, and I saw a flashing yellow at an intersection. It's this one in GSV. Here's an article about it from the city website.

Regarding I-280 on collateral facilities someone local had to take on sign replacement.  Its kind of amusing to see brand new I-280 shields slapped on BGSs like this:

280Ia by Max Rockatansky, on Flickr