While we
’re glad Valley Transportation Authority is pushing ahead with
plans for a flyover at the Don Pacheco Y, in spite of the San
Benito County officials’ ill-timed, ill-advised and baseless
objections, we hope some interim relief can be offered to drivers
who have to suffer through this chronic bott
leneck.
The Don Pacheco Y, the intersection of Highways 152 and 156 near the San Benito-Santa Clara county line, is the favorite route of drivers to reach U.S. 5 in the Central Valley, and it is prone to nightmarish traffic jams in the case of an accident or on getaway weekends.
Some have suggested that California Highway Patrol officers conduct traffic breaks or direct traffic during especially heavy traffic, but CHP officials have said these ideas create more problems than they solve.
So, with a desire to reduce wasted time, fuel, and to relieve frustration and pollution, we offer a couple of other ideas:
n Put a green light on eastbound Highway 152 so drivers will know not to stop. Our hope is that a permanently lit green traffic signal will indicate to folks who are unfamiliar with the intersection that they are not to stop for westbound drivers who want to turn left onto Highway 156. So-called “Good Samaritan” drivers who stop to allow left turns onto 156 are the cause of much of the back-up during peak traffic times. With a green light blaring at them, eastbound drivers should revert to ingrained rules of the road and keep on trucking through the Don Pacheco Y.
n Install a radio transmitter and erect signs all through the area about the frequency. Use the frequency to alert drivers to traffic problems and to explain alternate routes, such as taking U.S. 101 directly to Highway 156.
We’d like to see officials quickly and seriously consider these suggestions – and others the community might offer – as inexpensive ways to relieve the congestion until the flyover – several years away in a best case scenario – can be built.
