Get Moving

Q: What are the two odd-shaped objects visible when heading towards the port from the Northwestern Motorway? Jeffrey Busbridge, Auckland Central.

A: Aren't they great? These two very elegant structures are cantilevered supports for an extra southbound lane on the Southern Motorway. They were built as part of stage one of the Central Motorway Junction, and had to be constructed like that as it wasn't possible to put conventional piers in for the lane - they would have had to go smack in the middle of the roadway underneath. They are deep in the ground, and the slight backward sweep at the top of the piers is for looks, not balance.

Q: The busway is being built alongside the Northern Motorway, but will Transit be adding more lanes to the motorway itself? Craig Fennell, Albany.

A: The Transit 10-year plan contains provision for another motorway lane, to run from Northcote Rd to Sunnynook. Work is due to begin this year and should be completed by the end of 2007.

Q: Is there any chance of a left-hand lane joining the St Lukes on-ramp to the Waterview off-ramp heading west on the Northwestern Motorway? Bob Dutch, Auckland.

A: The stretch from Newton Rd to Western Springs is being widened, and Waterview to Rosebank will go to eight lanes, but there are no plans for the bit in between.

Q: I heard somewhere that the speed limit on Ponsonby Rd was going to be reduced as a safety measure. Is this true? Molly Jones, St Marys Bay.

A: The Auckland City Council does not plan to reduce the 50km/h limit along Ponsonby Rd, but it has put three more pedestrian refuge islands in, and upgraded a further two.