KEY POINTS:
Can someone please explain who is cutting down just about every mature tree that dares to grow near a motorway or state highway? I do a lot of driving up and down the country and have noticed this over the past few years. Now it has hit Auckland. Some beautiful mature trees have been removed from beside the Northwestern Motorway, and recently the chainsaw was taken to a lovely stand of conifers. Is it a sin to have a tree beside a road? Has no one heard of carbon credits and global warming? Kay McGoram, Auckland.
Yes, the New Zealand Transport Agency says it has heard of carbon credits and global warming. But when trees become a hazard, because they block sightlines or they are dying of disease, then their removal takes priority over even the Kyoto Protocol.
For example, the poplars along the Northwestern are being taken out because they have water damage at the roots. Arborists have said those that have not already come down during storms, and several have, will be removed because of the risk of branches and trunks falling on to the roadway.
Smaller native trees are being planted to replace the poplars, and larger ones will be added to start rebuilding the canopy.
The SH20 Mt Roskill project has established about 3400 trees and about 260,000 shrubs, and close to 650,000 trees and plants have been planted around the Northern Gateway toll road.
Why is the Onewa Rd motorway entrance not metered like most others? I know there is a big upgrade going on, but is there a plan to implement metering here? Mike Johnson, North Shore.
There are no plans to put in ramp signals on the new southbound onramp and offramp at Onewa Rd. But they will be installed at other interchanges along the Northern Motorway to link in with the busway.
What is the large coil of rusty cable hanging below the Wellesley St overpass? I think it has been there since the overpass was built. Will it ever be used? Fred Jones, Te Atatu Peninsula.
This is art, Fred. It's not to be used, it is to be looked at. With the patterns on the walls and bridges of the motorway project, it reflects Auckland's history, culture and landscape. The coiled tubing is reminiscent of Donaghy's in Grafton, New Zealand's first mechanised rope factory. Pity it rusted.
* Which is the worst road (street, crescent, lane, terrace, place, close, etc) in the Auckland region, and why? Poor surface, poor signage, poor access? Or worse?
Email your suggestions to askphoebe@nzherald.co.nz before the end of this month. We'll pick the 10 worst and try to get something done about them.
