North Bay commuters stress over new longer carpool hours on Highway 101: 'A nightmare'

"In the North Bay, Cal Trans is rolling out new longer carpool hours for Highway 101. Many drivers say it's creating even more traffic headaches from Santa Rosa to the Golden Gate Bridge. "It's a nightmare, I'm retired and don't have to do it," said Monique Turner. Many North Bay drivers say they're trapped in "carmageddon" otherwise known as Highway 101, where the average speed can be around 15 mph, morning and evening."

"Earlier this month, officials rolled out new, longer carpool hours on a 52-mile stretch of 101 between Windsor and Mill Valley, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. southbound, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. northbound. "It's not moving traffic like it should, if that's their goal, this is not going to work," said Turner. "It's important to have consistent carpool hours from county to county," said Cal Trans spokesperson Jeff Weiss. Weiss says in the past, carpool hours differed between Marin and Sonoma counties."

Caltrans extended carpool hours along a 52-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Windsor and Mill Valley to 5 a.m.–10 a.m. southbound and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. northbound. Drivers report heavier congestion and average speeds near 15 mph during peak periods, with some commuters experiencing 30–45 minute longer trips. Caltrans says the changes align carpool hours across Marin and Sonoma counties and prepare for opening the final 15-mile section of the Marin–Sonoma narrows project. Caltrans expects future widening of 101 to improve traffic flow. A petition opposing the expanded hours has gathered over 2,400 signatures.

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