Those who travel along Vasco Road, which stretches from Livermore up to Brentwood, could now face double fines for traffic violations.
Alameda County, in partnership with Contra Costa County, successfully advocated for the designation of the popular shortcut people take to avoid interstates 580 and 680 as a Safety Enhancement Double Fine Zone. Through State Sen. Tom Torlakson’s Senate Bill 3, the state legislature has designated Vasco Road as such, affecting the 19-mile stretch of road between 580 in Livermore and Walnut Boulevard in Brentwood.
Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who represents Livermore on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, has supported Torlakson’s efforts to adopt the legislation for years.
“We have been extremely concerned about the number of serious accidents caused by heavy commuter traffic, speeding and reckless motorist behavior resulting in several fatalities and injuries along this roadway over the past few years,” Haggerty said. “I believe that this designation will be an effective tool in managing traffic on this inter-regional road.”
Crews from the county public works agency began installing traffic signs with the new designation on Monday. The California Highway Patrol will be the primary agency patrolling the area and will be enforcing the designation immediately, according to Art Carrera, road manager for the public works agency.
–Janet Pelletier
