Isabel Avenue Interchange: How's the Drive?

The newly constructed Isabel Avenue Interchange opened Wednesday — six months ahead of schedule.

The opening also was held in conjunction with the permanent closure of the westbound Portola Avenue on-ramp.

Completion of the new Portola Avenue overpass, which will provide the final access route to the new interchange, is still scheduled for Spring of 2012.

Officials say the new interchange will improve the connection between State Route 84 and Interstate 580. In addition, it will create a new second access route to and the local businesses and residences on the north side of I-580 while reducing traffic congestion at the Airway Boulevard/I-580 interchange.

Here's what people are saying about the new interchange on Livermore Patch's Facebook page:

• "3 Lane (1 Diamond) metered on-ramp to West Bound 580 was nice. I found it much faster than the Portola on-ramp. So far, I'm liking it." —Victor Aquino Bergonia
• "One word: amazing. I live off E Jack London and getting to class was so much easier!! Man, all that construction was annoying, but it's totally worth it in the end!!! Thanks to all the construction workers that worked until weeeee hours of the morning!" —Amanda Chapman
• "It's nice and smooth so far except for the "no right on red" when exiting eastbound 580 onto Isabel." —Jansen Wilson
• "I took the interchange at 7 a.m. this morning and it was beautiful! So glad it's open." —Jeanne Sutton Bayles
• "I don't like that you can't turn on to Kitty Hawk anymore!! You have to go all the way down Airway and backtrack." —Nancy Holland
• "I absolutely love it! Such an easy commute getting the kids to school now!" —Jennifer Murray
• "For those of us who work ON Kitty Hawk--we want our left turn off of Isabel option back!!!" —Terri Halleen Moody

We want to know how these changes are treating motorists in town? How was the morning commute? Have any tips for other drivers who have yet to get on the new interchange? Please share your thoughts below in the comments section.