Caltrans reopened northbound state Highway 242 in Concord on Monday morning following a weekend closure that allowed for roadway rehabilitation work.
A second closure planned for the project will take place this weekend from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Monday, July 19.
People trying to connect to eastbound state Highway 4 during the closure are advised to use northbound Highway 680 to connect to Highway 4, while local traffic will be diverted to streets like Monument Boulevard, Willow Pass Road and Concord Avenue.
Drivers should watch for detour signs and expect delays in the area, according to Caltrans.
I drove up 242 today.
Looks like they cleaned the concrete.
It’s certainly no smoother of a ride.
Perhaps after next weekend, it’ll be a smoother ride.
But I kind of doubt it.
What’s done is probably the best we can expect in a socialistic state.
The original section of 242, originally signed as 24, was freeway between, 680 and half way between Grant and Olivera, where it merged into what are now lanes two and three in the northbound direction. There were traffic lights at Olivera and 4. The structures are vintage. Beautiful works to be treasured for having been brand new around 1962.
We shouldn’t complain that the state doesn’t want maintain it, but take it back. 242 could just be an exit for Clayton Road and Franquette Avenue, while the rest of the route north of Willow Pass Road could be a city park. It is a redundant freeway that the state or Contra Costa Transportation Authority does not care to maintain, and frankly Concord does not need it either. I’m sure most of you living in Claycord Valley never use it. Leave the traffic on 4 and 680, and improve north Concord with a new park.
Because Hwy 4 and 680 aren’t crowded enough yet? This is an idea which should be “folded, spindled and mutilated” (look it up if you don’t recognize this phrase).
You are obviously one of the anti-auto nuts who expect that everyone except the wealthy will walk or Bike everywhere.
Load um if you got um! Any wagers on how long it will take for the brass to start flying on the Highway to …Antioch?
Lovely. A smoother ride for those who live along Highway 4 to drive 100 MPH again.
Yeah, I just avoid the stretch of NB 680 between Monument and Willow Pass altogether. Forget that noise! Yesterday morning before they reopned 242, I happily took Contra Costa Blvd to Pacheco to get home to Martinez off HWY 4. A lot better than getting in the disaster on that stretch of 680.