Light Rail Crossing on Central Expressway in Mountain View: A Confusing Commute

In Mountain View, Central Expressway runs parallel to the Cal-Train tracks. Right around Whisman Road, the light rail crosses Central Expressway. If you are heading into Downtown Mountain View, there is a stop light that is triggered when a light rail train is headed our way. The traffic signal changes, the railroad lights flash and the arms come down to stop and warn the traffic. If you are heading in the opposite direction, to Sunnyvale from Downtown, then there is no traffic signal and only the standard blinking railroad crossing lights arms. On this side, when the light rail has passed, the lights stop and the arms raise. There is no stoplight, so as soon as the arms go up, we all drive through.

Have you noticed how many people run the red light on the other side? Heading into Mountain View, you have to wait for the signal to turn green before you proceed or you will be caught running a red light. Most of us have travelled this route and are familiar enough with it to know the only cross traffic is the light rail tracks. If you run the red, you will most likely not hit anyone, but if a cop catches you, it is a ticket. Signing for our ticket shouldn't be our reminder about waiting for the light to turn green.

We all have a busy commute and not having the signal on both sides gets confusing when you travel the same road five days a week. Be careful!

Sources:

Personal Experience