<EM>Get moving:</EM> It'll be only a short walk from Britomart to indoor arena

13 Jun, 2005 01:52 PM2 mins to read

Q: The railway practically encircles the new arena being built at Quay Park, central Auckland. Can I assume that platforms will be built for the arriving multitudes? If not, why not? Michael Willison, Parnell.

A: Oh you funny man. No platforms are planned because, think the planners, the arena is only 200m to 300m from Britomart, and patrons arriving by rail can walk that far.

Q: A few years ago a slip lane was installed where West End Rd meets Garnet Rd, to allow traffic from the stop sign on lower Garnet Rd to merge with westbound traffic turning left from West End Rd. An ethos has developed that believes that as the slip lane goes straight ahead it takes priority over left-turning traffic. Could a give-way sign be installed for either Garnet Rd, at the slip lane, or at West End Rd, to remove the confusion? Robert Densem, New Lynn.

A: The council has considered putting a give-way sign at Garnet Rd but it seems to me that if the stop sign is not working, a give-way sign stands even less chance. The highest traffic flows are from West End Rd turning left and vice versa, and a give-way here would just slow things down even more. What the council will do is put a sign in West End Rd warning left-turning drivers to take care, and this should be done this month.

Q: The buslane/clearway in Mt Eden Rd, heading south, ends at 5.30pm, just when the traffic is at its heaviest. Could this be extended by an hour or so? Helga Arlington, Mt Eden.

A: This will be reviewed next year.

Q: Turning right from Valley Rd into Mt Eden Rd is really difficult, but there are still no traffic lights here. Are there any plans to rectify this? Ms Arlington again.

A: Lights at this corner are a non-starter, as it is only about 100m from the Stokes Rd lights and another set would jam things even more. Lights at this intersection would encourage people to use Valley Rd, which is not designed for high traffic volumes. My suggestion is to avoid Mt Eden Rd wherever possible.