Like many of the Bay Area’s major roadways, Santa Clara’s El Camino Real has a reputation for being an obstacle course of potholes. Although a stretch of State Route 82 is in the City of Santa Clara, the road is owned and maintained by the state, and so the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, is charged with upkeep of the infrastructure.
In addition to slowing traffic and causing driving hazards, damaged roads can also increase the frequency of necessary vehicle repairs. The region’s road were especially hit hard to due record rainfall so far this year. Because of this some residents may be pleased to learn that Caltrans officially began an El Camino Real Pavement Rehabilitation and Improvement project for SR-82 between Lawrence Expressway and Portola Avenue on April 15.
“April 15 was the start date for prep work such as putting up signs but the actual work hasn’t started yet,” said Victor Gauthier, Public Information Officer for Caltrans. “We’ve also sent out mailers and advisories to businesses and members of the community to let them know about the project. We don’t yet have a start date for the repaving because with the recent rain, we’ve been waiting for dry conditions.”
Once the repaving begins, the work will take place on a stretch of over three miles of roadway and will continue through the summer. Workers from DeSilva Gates Construction will grind and repave the road and then place a new asphalt concrete surface on El Camino.
“The project addresses concerns about the deterioration of the pavement,” said Gauthier. “There are a lot of potholes and rough patches. The project will allow traffic to move more smoothly and efficiently.”
Although the work will result in the closure of at least one lane of traffic, all activities will occur at night when traffic is generally lighter. For the Northbound direction, work is scheduled to take place Monday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday night to Saturday morning from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Southbound the schedule is Monday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Friday night to Saturday morning from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
During those hours delays are expected, and nearby residents may hear some construction noise as well. Caltrans posts frequent updates about Bay Area traffic delays via Twitter and provides more information about projects and road closures on the department’s website.