Get moving: Transit’s 10-year plan has 6 lanes

Q: When will a third motorway lane eastbound to the city be added to the Northwestern Motorway? Tina Bond, Massey.

A: Six-laning (three each way) from Te Atatu Rd to Royal Rd, and eventually to Hobsonville Rd, is in Transit's 10-year plan. But that investigation is not scheduled to begin until next year, and the whole project will take eight to nine years. The better news is that the start date could be brought forward if regional distribution funding becomes available.

Q: Is it legal for motorcyclists to ride between lanes of queued traffic on a motorway? And is it now legal for motorcycles to travel in the buslane? Chris Casey, Whangaparaoa.

A: On the first question, yes, it is. If the traffic is stalled, whether by gridlock or lights, a motorcyclist is allowed to ride carefully between the lines of traffic. And motorbikes may use buslanes in the city, unless there is a specific notice to the contrary, but not the motorway lanes.

Q: The surface of the left lane of Hobson St, between Fanshawe St and Wyndham St, is a shocker. Are there any plans to resurface it? Andrew Marriner, Birkenhead, and myriad others.

A: Yes indeed. It should be done within the next three to four months.

Q: When will Westney Rd be opened up to George Bolt Drive, so that southbound trucks from Mainfreight and the new Linfox depot won't have to thunder back up Westney Rd and disturb everyone with the noise and vibration? Laurel Blakey, Mangere.

A: You probably know the answer to this by now, Laurel, but for everyone else, the connection between Westney and George Bolt is due to be put through this construction season. Manukau City Council is just waiting for the airport company to come up with a design for the roundabout. The road should be open early next year.