Related Links
- Thief makes off with $25,000 copper spool from Bay Area PG&E yard
- San Francisco man arrested in Petaluma copper theft
- Cotati man charged with threatening detective, co-defendant in burglary case
- Fort Bragg man held in copper theft case
- Copper theft creates havoc at Santa Rosa train crossings
-
Copper thefts go through roof
- PG&E copper theft
More Information
Copper thefts hidden culprit in Bay Area traffic gridlock
Published: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 8:56 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 8:56 a.m.
SAN JOSE — Motorists are quick to blame solo drivers, out-of-sync traffic lights and an improving economy for San Francisco Bay Area traffic gridlock.
But copper thieves are a hidden culprit in the commuting mess.
They tear out copper wiring powering metering lights, traffic signals and freeway electronic signs.
The San Jose Mercury News (http://bit.ly/U5kUgk) says 59 meters have been vandalized in the bay area in the past year.
The California Department of Transportation has replaced wiring for 18 of those meters at a typical cost of $35,000 each.
And it can take up to four months to make repairs.
Copper can fetch up to $4 a pound at recycling facilities.
___
Information from: San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News, http://www.mercurynews.com
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.