KEY POINTS:
Q: Driving south on the Southern Motorway, you can clearly see cracks at the top of some of the columns supporting the Upper Queen St and Symonds St overpasses. Are they cause for concern? Bill Hansen, Pt Chevalier.
A: Shades of the Harbour Bridge. But these cracks are not a cause for concern, says Transit. What you can see are the concrete pipes that were used as a cast when the columns were being built. The cracking is only superficial and it will be treated with special paint and sealant within the next year or two to keep the moisture out. Sooner might be better than later, I would suggest.
Q: Along the Northern Motorway, there are a number of green destination and exit signs. Several have one or more poles sticking up from the top left. They look as though they should have exit numbers on them, but I'm not sure. What are they for? Rick Bower, North Shore.
A: Well spotted, Rick. These signs were originally designed to have exit numbers, but with the new motorway layout, the numbers are now not needed. Which begs the question - if the exits are fine with just a name on the North Shore, why do all the exits on the Southern and Northwestern Motorways have numbers as well as names?
Q: A short while ago traffic lights were installed on Mokoia Rd adjacent to the BP station and New World supermarket. They do not appear to be for pedestrians as they do not cross the road here. I've never seen them red, so what are they for? Don Wedgwood, Beach Haven.
A: It is indeed a pedestrian crossing. Apparently the volumes of pedestrians who do cross the road here have made the installation worthwhile. It will also provide a safer exit from the supermarket.
Q: Are there any plans to improve signage on Ian McKinnon Drive in Eden Terrace? The speed limit is 70km/h but there is only one sign that says this. Also, where Ian McKinnon becomes Dominion Rd, surely it would make sense to signpost both Dominion Rd and the exit to Kingsland via the overpass to New North Rd, as it is a major feeder road to Eden Park. Mitchell Hall, Auckland.
A: Actually there are two 70km/h signs, about 900m apart. And there is a directional sign on the corner of Minnie St advising drivers of upcoming exits. That said, the Auckland City Council is having a rethink of Ian McKinnon Drive, including speed limits and signs.
* Do you have queries about public transport, roading projects, roadworks or how to get a driver's licence? Contact Phoebe Falconer at Get Moving, Editorial department, NZ Herald, PO Box 32, Auckland. Fax (09) 373-6421 or email newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz Include name and address.
