Interstate 280
 

Totally random question, not really having anything to do with SFO, though I do try to take 280 over 101 if I leave SFO and travel anywhere west-bay area...

Anyway, does 280, between Saratoga Ave or CA-82 or so and I-380, that stretch of I-280, does it sport Carpool/High Occupancy (HOV) lanes? You know, those diamond lanes?

Just wondering, I have to drive into the city tomorrow and believe, for the most part, 280 is the better way to go over 101 but because a few of us are in the car, 101 (which defenitely sports carpool lanes) might be a better bet?

Anyway, a little random advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

280 usually has less traffic, even in the absence of carpool lanes (which on 101 on the peninsula are only in existence south of about Whipple Avenue (which is between the 92 and 84 intersections).

You can check http://www.sigalert.com for traffic conditions.

If it's at all convenient to your origin, 99% of the time, 280 is the better choice to San Francisco from the south bay or peninsula compared to 101. IMHO, taking 101 is always a roll of the dice. Drivers I find are generally slower, less reasonable as far as removing themselves from the fast lane, and the freeway is generally just more congested.

From the south bay, e.g. Saratoga Ave, there are indeed HOV lanes all the way to El Monte Ave in Los Altos and most of the time that's the only area they'll be needed anyway.

Another vote for 280. I generally use 280 when I need to pick up a friend from SF en route to Sharks games.

280 has carpool lanes roughly from Saratoga Ave to Magdalena (in Los Altos Hills). I think the north end of 280 also has them, but definitely NOT between Magdalena and 380.

Take 280.

bob

280 is also the self-proclaimed "World's Most Beautiful Freeway."

It actually does go through a lot of beautiful scenery -- much nicer scenery, overall, than 101.

However, the freeway itself is just as ugly as any! :p

Oh to the contrary, parts of 280 are beautiful. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I think she means the concrete and asphalt part, not the surroundings :D

Yeah, that's the part that's ugly. Not the scenery surrounding it!

But maybe I-280 itself DOES look beautiful to certain "flytertalkers" [sic]. :p

I think you mean "Raceway" :D.

And so am I. He could have plowed a straight road through like 101, but instead took the curves of the surrounding hills and general landscape into account. The bridges and interchanges you pass over, when viewed from ground level, are just pure art!

I have always felt that 280 is the most beautiful freeway in the world, of any I've been on.

And I do appreciate the road itself too. Sweeping constant-radius curves, wide smooth asphalt, great grading. Although it's not as fresh as 10 years ago, it is still one of the best built roads, in addition to being surrounded by gorgeous beauty. The engineering is why so much traffic can drive so fast.

That said, I usually take 101 since I live on the east side of SF and most of my destinations are next to the bay. It just makes 280 more of a treat when I do take it.

I use it several times a week and I agree that it's a great freeway. However, in terms of beauty it can't hold a candle to I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge or sections of I-70(?) in Colorado.

I'm not so sure that is correct. Parts of 101 between L.A. and Santa Barbara are pretty scenic, but I'll concede that 280 is visually pleasant.

Yes, take 280 unless it's really out of the way for you.