I tend to avoid the Rengstorff crossing for the very reason you're talking about -- sitting through multiple red lights. Incredibly frustrating. On the other hand, I haven't noticed that it's any better, worse or different at similar crossings in town, like where Moffett turns into Castro.

Happily, the VTA is talking about putting an underpass at Rengstorff which would solve this problem for good. Details are at the bottom of this VTA story here:

Web Link

I cross it every morning on my way to SB 101. However, I avoid it as much as possible on the way home. Sitting on the Shell Gas Station side of Rengstorff trying to cross over Central can cost you a good 5-10 minutes of time just sitting there (due to multiple trains).

GSB-

I avoid that part of Rengstorff, too. If it's convenient for you, try the San Antonio frontage road (across from HP/Mayfield just before the overpass). I discovered this great shortcut about 2 years after moving to MV. Takes you to Central at the stop light just north of the San Antonio overpass. A little out of the way but you make up the time you lose sitting in traffic.

Note to Don Frances: I did see the article on the proposed Rengstorff underpass when it appeared in the Voice.

Absolutely. I either go that way or come up at Shoreline (i'm traveling North coming back home) and take California all the way home. Both are time savers in the end.

Absolutely. I either go that way or come up at Shoreline (i'm traveling North coming back home) and take California all the way home. Both are time savers in the end.

I use Central Expressway, and often the train actually helps traffic (especially southbound Central) at the expense of Rengstorff traffic. In particular, drivers coming out of the shopping center onto Rengstorff have a really tough time (unless some considerate driver lets them in!).

Ironically, that intersection is still much improved now that the train station is no longer there! The train used to actually STOP across the intersection, and you'd wait for it to slowly come to a stop, unload and reload and get started again. Now THAT was a mess!

Ironically, that intersection is still much improved now that the train station is no longer there! The train used to actually STOP across the intersection, and you'd wait for it to slowly come to a stop, unload and reload and get started again. Now THAT was a mess!

Although improved it's still completely dangerous and the City needs to fix it quickly. I live on Rengstorff and cannot get out my driveway between 5-6:3pm Mon-Friday; and I've witnessed numerous near collisions with the new timing and left only on Leland before you cross the tracks. I cannot imagine what will happen when the new community is done on corner of Rengstorff and Central. Traffic will double; accidents will too.

I avoid this intersection if at all possible.