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Drive Without Being Driven Crazy

Beating 880 Heading from the East Bay to Silicon Valley? There is no route more direct, yet more fraught with frustration, than 880. But with a little rush-hour acumen, a crystal ball and some creative shortcuts, 880's bottlenecks can be beaten. Rule #1: Never travel 880 between San Jose and Hayward between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays. Duh. But if flex time doesn't jibe with the boss, here's a little trick. In the morning, southbound 880's biggest bottleneck starts at the CHP weigh station and continues to Dixon Landing Road. To beat it, jump off the Nimitz at Auto Mall Parkway with all the scofflaw truckers, go east to 680, which is slow at first but loosens up fast. The way home is a little trickier, especially Fridays when everything's slow. Before 6:30 p.m., take 680 to Durham Road which turns into Automall to 880. If it's still bad after 6:30 p.m., forget the shortcut and get comfortable; it's going to be a long ride either way. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]