Q: First, thank you for your column. Second, what is that mess on Blossom Hill Road near Indian Avenue in San Jose (across from the VTA station) that has been in the middle of the road since the summer? And how much longer is it going to be there?
It’s some construction equipment and gravel all enclosed. They were repaving this summer and now it’s just sitting there. It belongs to some company. I just want to know why it’s just sitting there, causing traffic issues. If you can find out, many of us would appreciate it.
— Debbie Webster
A: Colin-the-city-spokesman reports that it is a San Jose Public Works project to install large trash capture devices around San Jose. These devices filter litter and debris from stormwater, reducing the amount of trash that enters in the surrounding creeks and rivers. This particular location has a higher ground water table than what was anticipated, which is causing some delay in the installation of the trash capture device. The site will be in the current state until early next year when they can finish excavation plans.
Public Works had its inspection team onsite last week to monitor the contractor cleanup activities. They should have all the loose base rock removed and the roadway swept. Public Works will be monitoring the location more actively to ensure that all traffic control devices are properly placed and there is no loose construction material surrounding the project area.
They anticipate that construction will be complete at this location in May 2024.
Editor’s note: The following question is being repeated because it earlier only ran in some editions.
Q: What is going on with road work on Buchanan Road between Pittsburg and Antioch? I have watched and waited for this section of road to be finished for at least three years. They did underground work, patched trenches and then everything sat another two years until temporary patches got so bad and bumpy that they came back and repaired the patches to at least make it driveable again.
This road should have been completed long ago. Barricades are still there and nothing is being done to complete this vital road. When will this project be completed? As a taxpayer, I think this is a total disgrace.
— Anthony Siino
A: Unfortunately, there is no word on when the project will be completed. Pittsburg Public Works reports that widening of Buchanan Road is a requirement of the developer involved in the Tuscany Meadows development in this area. Delays were caused by unforeseen utility conflicts and this required redesign of private utilities. The city of Pittsburg is communicating with the developer and trying to assist in getting the conflict resolved so that construction can resume and the project can be completed.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at [email protected].