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I-680 roadwork Sunol to San Ramon
Crews have begun the latest series of nightly lane closures on both sides of Interstate 680 through Pleasanton as part of the ongoing express lane and roadway improvement project expected to be completed by next summer, according to Caltrans.
Running from Highway 84 in Sunol to Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon, the work on northbound I-680 focuses on rehabilitating existing road conditions and the I-680 southbound work includes pavement rehabilitation and finishing the new express lane.
Construction will be occurring in multiple spots across the nine-mile stretch, but the general closure window is 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Work could take place on any night, including weekends.
Freeway interchanges, ramps and lanes could be impacted for any given segment, Caltrans said, adding that location-specific advisories would be issued as needed and that motorists should plan for extra travel time.
Sheriff’s chaplain wins national award
Sue Kuipers, who serves as chaplain for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and several other local law enforcement agencies, was honored last week as Chaplain of the Year by the National Sheriffs’ Association.
With more than 15 years under her belt, Kuipers has demonstrated “exceptional dedication, leadership and compassion” in her service during community death incidents as well as developing and sustaining chaplaincy programs for ACSO and the Hayward, San Leandro and BART police departments, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Sue’s extensive experience includes responding to over 200 community death callouts, providing peer support in critical incident debriefings, and assisting law enforcement during high-stakes situations such as officer-invaded shootings, the Ghost Ship Fire, and a school shooting,” ACSO officials said in a post on Facebook.
“Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sue’s personal connection to law enforcement – stemming from the tragic loss of her father in the line of duty – fuels her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by officers and their families,” officials added. “(Her) unwavering commitment, profound impact, and distinguished service make her truly deserving of this honor.”
ACE train agency exec stepping down
Executive Director Stacey Mortensen is stepping down next month from the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, the regional transit agency that operates the Altamont Corridor Express train that runs through the Tri-Valley.
Mortensen, who has worked in the field for nearly 28 years, has scheduled her last day for Aug. 31. She has not indicated a plan to retire nor has she accepted another job to date, according to agency staff. The commission’s Governing Board has created an ad hoc committee to recruit for her successor.
In her current role, she also concurrently serves as executive director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority and oversees the Valley Rail program in the Central Valley.
“What began as a small, passionate team operating out of rented space at the Stockton Airport has grown into a dynamic organization with state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated staff, and a bold vision for the future of rail in Northern California,” Mortensen said in a press release announcing her decision to depart.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside so many exceptional people – staff, board members, and community partners – whose collective commitment has driven our success,” she added. “The future of passenger rail in our region is bright – and I look forward to cheering on the next chapter.”
“I know this transition comes at a pivotal moment in the agency’s history, as we are preparing to deliver a multibillion-dollar portfolio of transformative transportation projects across the region,” Mortensen said. “Recognizing the scale and complexity of what lies ahead, I’ve recommended to the Boards that the next phase of leadership should bring experience in large-scale capital program execution. I will remain actively engaged in supporting the recruitment process and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.”
