Since You Asked: Why doesn't Highway 99/113 split have overpass?

Q: Along with all the other questions about the new construction on Highway 99, why is it that Caltrans chose not to include an overpass structure at the split with Highway 113? There have been numerous reconfigurations of this dangerous intersection over the years to try and make it safer. One would think that, with the upgrade to four lanes, they would have finally put in an overpass to completely eliminate the problem.

A: Caltrans, too, would like an overpass. But when plans were being drawn up more than 10 years ago to make Highway 99 four lanes all the way from Yuba City to Sacramento, funding was not available — and it still isn't, said Caltrans spokeswoman Elaine Bradford.

But there will be a traffic signal when the intersection improvements — part of the Tudor Bypass project — are complete in 2012, Bradford said.

Some drivers won't care for another traffic signal after encountering so many coming out of Yuba City. But it will probably prevent some horrific accidents there.

Although money for an overpass is lacking, enough land was purchased years ago to make one possible if funds become available, Bradford said.

Q: The Tisdale Weir boat launch on the Sacramento River opened last summer, but the dock and lighting were never installed. Without a dock, it is very difficult to launch a boat without damaging the bottom against the rocks or ramp when loading and unloading passengers and gear. What happened to the floating dock that was supposed to be included with this project?

A: The floating dock is still being tossed around on the waves of the state budget process in Sacramento.

It was not part of the state grant that paid for the ramp and other improvements, said Sutter County Public Works Director Doug Gault. But a new grant of about $100,000 for the dock "is pretty much assured," he said.

The dock will cost about $75,000. The rest of the grant will pay for anchoring it, he said.

It was hoped the dock would be in by this summer, but now it looks like next year, probably in the spring, the director said.

Gault acknowledged that "a bit of a current" at Tisdale Weir makes launching boats less than easy without a dock.

But you should know the county is planning on instituting a user fee after the dock is installed, probably about as much as Yolo and Sacramento counties charge. Gault said the amount has not been set.

Send questions to reporter Rob Young at the Appeal-Democrat, 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville CA 95901; call 749-4710; or e-mail him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com