KEY POINTS:
Why is Ramp B connecting Dominion Rd with New North Rd such a well-kept secret?
Ramp A in the opposite direction has a large blue sign with a map, followed by white paint at the start of the leftlane, and a white arrow, all letting you know where you're going. By contrast, there is nothing to tell a stranger that Ramp B exists, let alone is approaching, as you head towards the city.
All you see is an unmarked lane peeling off to the left on a flyover disappearing into the sky, going who knows where. The little blue sign is parallel to the road, so dangerous for a driver to try to read, and carefully placed three lampposts along, after you are already well on the way.
Are "they" trying to discourage people from using it?
Penelope Wilson, Glendowie.
The council thanks you for bringing this to their attention, Ms Wilson. I really don't think it was aware of the difficulty in reading the sign, if indeed you see it at all.
Of course, local knowledge is a wonderful thing, and plenty of people do use the offramp here, but the size, location and placement of the sign do compromise its helpfulness, as you point out.
The council says it will move the sign one lamppost further south, which may be some help, and hopefully its staff will turn it round so that drivers can actually read what's on it.
And the better news is that, with the planning for the Rugby World Cup in 2011, the council will be looking at additional signage in the Eden Park area. As part of this, it'll look at better signs for Ramp B.
I would like to know whether it is legal for motorcyclists to travel down the motorway between lanes. It freaks me out when I see it, as it is dangerous when cars change lanes.
Jeanette Cox, Auckland.
Stewart Kahn of the motorway policing centre says it most definitely is not legal. The technical term for this practice is lane-splitting, where motorcyclists create their own lane. Not only does it involve overtaking on the left, but motorcyclists often put themselves in a motorist's blind spot when they do it. So don't.
Like many drivers living north of Auckland, I have been watching progress on the new stretch of motorway between Orewa and Puhoi, Alpurt 2. Last year the media said that the project was ahead of schedule and was going to be up and running before Christmas, but I have not read this recently.
As this stretch of road is so busy in the summer, is there any chance that Alpurt 2 will open earlier than planned?
Brian Hall, Parnell.
All the information I can find points to Alpurt 2 opening early next year, as advertised. Sorry.
