Q: When will they open the second lanes on the Highway 84 widening project between Livermore and Interstate 680?
— Steve Stamos
A: Janis-the-Caltrans-spokesperson for Alameda County reports that Caltrans plans to open both lanes on Highway 84 in the summer of 2025.
Q: Do you know if the Caltrans contractor is going to grind/smooth out the new “speed bumps” they installed on Highway 4 between Port Chicago Highway and Railroad Avenue in Contra Costa County? They ground some of the new sections, but some of the uneven surfaces are brutal to drive over in a large truck. I’ve seen front ends implode, trailers come unhitched and loads shaken loose.
— Doug B.
A: I’m trying to get an answer for you. In the meantime, try also entering this issue in the Caltrans service request system, available here: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
Q: I am sure you have traveled up and down Highways 101 and 85 lately and noticed the jungle that is growing in the center dividers on both highways. Since the express lanes are right up against the center divider on 101, these “trees” are growing into the lanes. What can be done about the growth and trash along the center dividers on 101 and 85 in the Palo Alto-Mountain View-Sunnyvale area?
— William Leonard
A: Caltrans wants issues like this reported on their customer service request system so they can be tracked. See this Caltrans page: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
Q: When I registered my car earlier this year, a smog test was required. I took it to a nearby smog check station. The tech said they could not test it and pointed to the DMV notice that said testing at a STAR smog station was necessary. His was not a STAR station. I found one, and my car passed.
What is the difference between a regular smog test station and a STAR station? Why do only some cars have to use one?
I have two cars, a ’97 Blazer in San Jose and a 2013 Tahoe in another city. The STAR station in San Jose charged $65 and took 35 minutes to test the car. The STAR station in the other city took 15 minutes and charged $48. Aren’t all smog stations supposed to run the same tests and charge the same?
— Diane Gaskill
A: The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses or contracts with different types of smog check facilities. The station is required to post a sign showing the services it performs.
The purpose of the STAR Program is to improve overall quality of smog checks and help the state meet required emissions reductions. STAR stations are licensed to meet higher performance standards and may run more tests, if needed. Vehicles with a higher likelihood of failure require testing at a STAR station.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
