Interstate 280
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: Skymiles, AAdvantage, MileagePlus
Posts: 90
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!
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!
#2




Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Programs: various
Posts: 4,240
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.
You can check http://www.sigalert.com for traffic conditions.
#3




Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Hertz PC, Avis PC, Global Entry
Posts: 346
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.
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.
#5


Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Woodside, CA, USA
Programs: United Platinum
Posts: 530
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
Take 280.
bob
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!
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!
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
#8
Moderator: Mileage Run, United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The City/Honolulu
Programs: UA 3MM; Hyatt Glob*****; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,491
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,569
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
#12
Moderator: Mileage Run, United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The City/Honolulu
Programs: UA 3MM; Hyatt Glob*****; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,491
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!
Last edited by Pat89339; Jul 15, 2008 at 2:20 am
#13




Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: UA 1K / 1MM, Bonvoy Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 231
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.
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.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,687
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.
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.
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 60,666


