Q: Can you do an article on the debacle that is Highway 85 from Interstate 280 to Highway 87?

C.D.

San Jose

A: You’ll have a chance to voice your thoughts in the next few days on the future of Highway 85 in three meetings. But first, explain the “debacle.”

Q: Why are there only two commuter lanes and yet there are miles between freeway exits and entrances? Don’t get me started on the stupid merge lanes from De Anza Boulevard. The longest and slowest merge lanes ever.

I have a theory that the wealthy cities of Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Gatos refused to allow more exits and entrances built in their cities because they didn’t want the traffic. Are they ever going to fix this craziness?

Don’t worry, I’m cool as a cucumber during my afternoon one-hour commute from Mt. View to South San Jose every day.

C.D.

A: Mark your calendar. The Valley Transportation Authority is launching a study of the 23.7-mile segment from Highway 85-Highway 101 in Mountain View to 85-101 in South San Jose to evaluate what improvements can be made.

The first meeting is Thursday at the Southside Community Center, 5585 Cottle Road in San Jose, followed by a meeting Monday at the Quinlan Community Center, North Stelling Road in Cupertino, and Nov. 16 at the Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Avenue. The meetings all begin at 6 p.m.

Under consideration is a fourth lane between Highway 87 and Interstate 280, express lanes, light rail, and bus rapid transit.

You can also participate in an online survey at http://bit.ly/SR85-survey.

Q: I wish there was an interchange on Highway 85 at Quito Road. Any chance of that happening?

Mary V.

A: No. Cupertino, Saratoga, and Los Gatos tried to keep interchanges through their towns to a minimum and succeeded in blocking ramps at Prospect and Quito roads while limiting Winchester Boulevard to a half interchange.

Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting.

Q: What are the white squares about a foot across that have appeared on northbound Highway 17 just south of Summit Road? Most are on the newly repaved section, but I noticed one on the old pavement, too.

Bob Messing

Mountain View

A: These are markers Caltrans uses to help survey crews map out the road for its mobile terrestrial laser scanner. This is a new technology that combines the use of a laser scanner, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems and an Inertial Measurement Unit on a mobile platform to produce precise data.

Q: What’s the plan for the open space off Highway 101 between the Hellyer Avenue and Blossom Hill Road exits? It looks big enough for an interchange but it’s been undeveloped for decades.

Todd Haney

San Jose

A: An interchange is planned down the road.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.