David Thom: Now I can see what a poor job Caltrans did on 132
Re “After seeing 132 work, no reason to trust Caltrans” (Page 1B, Nov. 12): Former Modesto City Councilman Bruce Frohman wrote a very informative op-ed about Highway 132 and Caltrans construction practices.
Though I live in San Carlos, I travel 132 once a week, so I am quite aware of the pros and cons of traveling from I-5 toward Waterford. Bruce points out some things that are of great interest. He mentioned a toxic waste dump off Emerald near Modesto. Last night, we looked when passing that way and wondered where it might be. As we stopped at the lights Bruce mentioned, it made us realize this road might have been built a different way.
We know government projects are not always managed well. Orville Dam is probably the best current example of poor oversight.
In his last sentence, Frohman asks: “Why do we tolerate such mediocrity?”
I am a fairly well-informed individual and yet I was not aware of most of the information Bruce points out. Thanks to his letter, many of us are more informed about Caltrans. Bruce provides a great public service. I look forward to another op-ed from Bruce or others raising awareness.
David Thom, San Carlos
This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 4:03 PM with the headline "David Thom: Now I can see what a poor job Caltrans did on 132."