Q: I read yet another answer of yours about damaged sensors. Some intersections use wire loops buried in the roadway and some use cameras mounted with the traffic lights. Out of curiosity, how do they decide which to use? The wire loops clearly require more maintenance based on the number of times they are mentioned in your articles.
Jim Bodwin, Cupertino
A: Traffic signals in San Jose primarily use two sources of vehicle detection, inductive loops and video detection. Inductive loops, embedded in the pavement, send an electric signal to the traffic controller when a vehicle passes or arrives at an intersection.
While loops are great at detecting vehicles, they are susceptible to being damaged by normal pavement wear and tear and by construction projects. It can take some time to fully repair faulty detection with these more traditional detectors.
Video detection is newer technology, and is slowly replacing the pavement-embedded sensors. Some of the benefits of video detection equipment are that repairs can be made faster, and this equipment can observe real-time traffic conditions. The cameras used for this system are mounted on traffic signal poles and are used for detection purposes only. They do not record video that can be viewed afterwards. Because of the cost of upgrading systems, San Jose is rolling out video detection equipment over time.
Q: I just read the letter about lane closures possibly adding to road rage. Coming back from Huntington Beach on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Highway 101 was reduced to one lane at least three times. ALL rest areas were closed. It took me 9 hours to get home. Normally a peaceful person, I was ready to throttle someone. There are some long stretches on 101 with no services available. I understand roadwork and the need to close a lane, but why would CalTrans have three road closures going on at the same time? Good grief, it was frustrating.
Mary Linduska
A: There are a number of problems on Highway 101, mostly connected to rest area improvements, partially caused by delays in parts necessary for the projects. It should get better next year after these projects are complete.
Q: About ten years ago on the earthen bank on 280 north between 880 and Winchester, Toyota had an “innovative” ad created in flowers.
The flowers are long gone. However, the white undertarp and boards holding it in place are still there and an eyesore. When is that ever going to be cleaned up?
Daniel Hinojosa, San Jose
A: I’ve been trying to get this resolved for more than a decade. Caltrans removed the flowers, but the items that remain are, as you note, an eyesore.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
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