Q: Why is there a separate lane for trucks and vehicles with trailers that goes through the old toll booth areas at the northern part of the 241 Toll Road?
A: At the northern part of the 241 Toll Road, there is a separate lane specifically designated for trucks and vehicles with trailers. It is the only point on the 241 Toll Road that requires this special treatment. Vehicles pulling trailers typically use the regular three left-hand lanes. The reason behind this special lane is to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly for northbound traffic in the afternoon. Truck drivers who wish to go westbound on the 91 Freeway face significant challenges in reaching the far-left lanes after clearing the former toll areas.
This unique lane was implemented by Caltrans, as they wanted to provide climbing lanes on the steep slopes of the toll road. Michele Miller, a spokesperson for the Transportation Corridor Agencies, explains that these climbing lanes were designed to allow slower vehicles, including trucks, to stay to the right of main traffic. The sections where the climbing lanes were installed met Caltrans’ criteria for such lanes.
When the toll roads transitioned from cash collection to all-electronic tolling in 2014, the toll plazas were reconfigured, and signs were changed to direct trucks and cars with trailers through those areas. This separation was done to improve traffic flow. While the climbing lanes already existed before, they were modified as part of the toll plaza reconfiguration.
The Windy Ridge Toll Point on the 241 Toll Road has climbing lanes in both directions, and a similar setup can be found at the Catalina View Toll Point on the 73 Toll Road.
The responsibility of enforcing the laws on these tollways, including ensuring that trucks and trailers use the designated lanes, falls on the California Highway Patrol. Sergio Rivera, a spokesperson and officer for the California Highway Patrol, confirms that they have officers specifically assigned to the 241 Toll Road.
However, Officer Rivera adds that an officer needs to witness the violation, and they may prioritize dealing with more severe issues, such as excessive speeders.
In terms of whether there is sufficient time for truckers to get into a left lane on the northbound 241 at the Windy Ridge Toll Point, Michele Miller explains that the roadway design allows for over one mile of distance to access the lanes that merge onto the westbound 91. The Transportation Corridor Agencies have installed signage and pavement markings to provide advanced notice to motorists who wish to access the westbound or eastbound lanes of the 91.
Q: Why don’t we build more refineries in this country to address rising gas prices?
A: Building new refineries in the United States can be a challenging endeavor, Bob. While it would seem like a viable solution to address rising gas prices, there are numerous hurdles preventing the construction of significant refineries.
An article in Barron’s highlights some of these obstacles, including the difficulties in securing necessary permits and the significant investment of time and money required for building new refineries. Forbes adds that other obstacles include concerns about climate change and society’s resistance to promoting fossil fuels.
According to Fox Business, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth expressed his belief that the U.S. is unlikely to produce another new refinery due to the federal government’s stance on reducing demand for fossil fuels. Wirth stated, “At every level of the system, the policy of our government is to reduce demand, and so it’s very hard in a business where investments have a payout period of a decade or more.”
While new refineries may not be prevalent in the United States, countries like Nigeria and Mexico have seen the construction of new refineries.
HONKIN’ FACT: The double-decker bus that Paul and Linda McCartney purchased in 1972 for a Wings tour will be up for auction in mid-November. The bus, adorned with psychedelic colors, featured a playpen, mattresses, and beanbags on the top deck for the bandmates and their families. During the European tour in ’72, the bus traveled over 7,500 miles. It is estimated to be sold for $200,000 to $300,000. (Source: Julien’s Auctions)
To submit questions to Honk, please email him at [email protected]. Only published questions will receive answers. Visit Honk online at ocregister.com/tag/honk. Follow Honk on Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
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