Get Moving: Distance key to motorway ramps riddle

Q: How do the motorway exit ramp numbers work? Along the Southern Motorway, Exit 453 is Takanini, Exit 458 is Manukau, etc. Where on Earth are the other 450 or so? Margaret Paton, Papakura.

A: The numbers are based on the distance in kilometres from the beginning of the highway, in this case State Highway 1, which starts at Cape Reinga. Thus the Silverdale exit, being further north, is Exit 398, Esmonde Rd is 420, and so on.The Northwestern (SH16) calculation begins at the Port of Auckland, and the Southwestern (SH20) at its intersection with SH1. And yes, there are double-ups - there are two Exit 2s, for example, on different motorways - but the names will remain, to assist the confused.

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Q: Why has The Strand in Parnell been one-way only for the past two months or so? The traffic heading from the motorway or the city to Tamaki Drive has to detour up Parnell Rise and into the narrow local streets, which causes huge congestion. Wayne Thompson, Parnell.

A: It's a big stormwater job, which has closed The Strand northbound since April. But good news - the council announced yesterday that it's all finished and reopened.

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Q: Are there any plans to synchronise the traffic lights in Manukau City, in particular along Pakuranga Highway and Ti Rakau Drive? Jim Stuart, Beachlands.

A: Manukau City Council has been doing a study of this area, with an eye to optimising the flow of traffic along these and other major roads. It is also looking at improving safety at intersections. The study is now finished, and work will start in the next week or so. There won't be much to see, but the council says traffic should move along better.