Get moving: Roundabout tests patience

The new roundabout established at the western end of Queenstown Rd is already a failed experiment. Since it was installed last month, between 5pm and 6pm traffic is backed up on the motorway back over Mangere Bridge. My commute time from the airport to Royal Oak has increased by eight minutes. The ramp-metering lights at Rimu Rd have been rendered useless. Is anything going to be done here? Brett Stuart, Royal Oak.

Something is being done - sort of. Transit NZ monitors the traffic patterns daily, especially during peak times. The new roundabout, and associated structures such as widening Queenstown Rd bridge and the roundabout at Frederick St, will be finished in December. Only then will a test be done to see if these changes have improved traffic flow. And if they haven't? What then, Transit?

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Is it illegal for cars to park in cycle lanes? If so, why are dozens of cars parked every day in the clearly marked cycle lanes on both sides of Shakespeare Rd in Milford? Peter Woolnough, Milford.

Yes, it is illegal to park in cycle lanes, and vehicles will be ticketed. However, on one side of Shakespeare Rd the signs have been removed in preparation for a new transit lane heading west. The lane can also be used by cyclists, as can a new "share with care" cycle/pedestrian lane alongside the roadway. The project is scheduled to begin in January.

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It seemed that the May Rd overbridge was nearing completion. But now they have dug up one side. What is going on? Brian Davis, Blockhouse Bay.

Woops. The embankment is being dug out because the contractors have run into more peat than the designers estimated. This makes the ground at this southern end weaker, meaning the earth fill will have to be replaced with something lighter. The central concrete beams are not affected, as the piles holding up the piers are sunk deep underground. However, the opening of the bridge has been delayed until late December.