Ask Phoebe: Bypass on track for an early finish

The Hobsonville deviation is expected to open in September this year. Photo / Sarah Ivey

I've noticed the landscaping and beautification is well under way on the Hobsonville bypass project, which makes it appear that the project is nearing completion. But signs along Hobsonville Rd say completion will be in the middle of next year. Is it really still that far from completion or are we in for an early completion treat?
Rex Watling, Auckland, plus Owen Williams and Desmond Barnes.

We are all in for a treat, it seems. From what I can glean from the Transport Agency's website, the Hobsonville deviation, the northern part of the Western Ring Route, is expected to open in September this year.

That is six months ahead of schedule - good work, chaps.

For those not au fait with this engineering masterpiece, the SH18 Hobsonville Deviation project is a 6km, four-lane motorway from the end of the Northwestern Motorway at Hobsonville Rd to the western end of Upper Harbour Bridge in Hobsonville.

The associated SH16 Brigham Creek extension is a 3km, four-lane extension of the SH16 Northwestern Motorway from Hobsonville Rd to Brigham Creek Rd in Whenuapai.

A new bridge at Clarks Lane for pedestrians and cyclists will give safe passage over the motorway. There will also be provision for future bus shoulder lanes.

What is the protocol for a normal footpath when you have people walking in different directions? Some people appear to think they should keep to the left, and others insist on keeping to the right.
Adrienne Roke, Auckland.

There is no protocol, it seems. There is a tradition that you could or should keep to the left - even, in times past, to the extent of painting a line down the centre of the footpath to separate left and right - but there are no hard and fast rules.

I think the tradition of keeping to the left is a hangover from our road rules, but pavement furniture such as tables, chairs and signs can make this nigh on impossible in places. Dodging the people coming towards you seems to be the only rule.

I am hoping you can help me to find the answers to two questions. First, I notice that people waiting to cross on the green man often repeatedly push the button. Surely this doesn't make any difference? And are toilets for the disabled meant for the disabled only or are others allowed to use them if they are vacant?
Peg Cummins, Tauranga.

You're right, Mrs Cummins. Repeatedly pushing the button makes no difference at all. If the red man is not showing, one push should alert him to the fact that you are waiting.

And, as far as I know, the able-bodied may use disabled toilets, as long as there is no disabled person waiting.