Ask Phoebe: On ramp signals timed for entire motorway

Traffic travelling west on the north western motorway. Photo / APN

Q. When entering the motorway, I notice that the length of the phase when the red light is on varies considerably, from two seconds to 12 seconds. It is very obvious that when the phase is long, the queue is long and when the phase is short, the queue is short. Could you please explain the logic behind how long the phase will be and who makes the decision?
David Bentham, Torbay.

The NZ Transport Agency is responsible for the operation of ramp signals. They are operated to improve traffic flows throughout the entire Auckland motorway network, not at each individual on-ramp.

If the signals are operating at an on-ramp where traffic volumes appear light, they may have been activated to help minimise delays for drivers because of congestion or an incident further along the motorway.

Q. When the ASB Bank Centre opens in the Wynyard Quarter in June, it will bring a considerable increase in workers to this area.

For those using public transport, the quickest way if one travels by train or bus into the Britomart Transport Hub is a walk along the waterfront to Te Wero and over the Wynyard Bridge - a pleasant walk in fine weather but quite bleak in mid-winter.

At present, the red Link bus travels to the Wynyard Quarter approximately every 12-15 minutes, but has only one stop in the Wynyard Quarter, outside the children's playground. Are there any plans to increase the frequency of this bus at peak times and/or to reroute it so that it has better coverage of the Quarter?

The new ASB Bank Centre will undoubtedly bring an increase in vehicle traffic and while we understand there will be some parking available in the new centre, is any provision being made for additional public parking?

Has any consideration been given to how the roading system in and out of the quarter will cope with the expected increase in vehicle traffic?

These same concerns would also be relevant if the proposed theatre in Halsey St next to the ASB Centre eventuates.
John Bennett, Pakuranga Heights.

Waterfront Auckland, together with Auckland Transport, advises that there is a public carpark at Wynyard with space for 200 vehicles. An additional 265 spaces will be available in a new temporary carpark on Wynyard Pt.

The numbers using the red City Link bus will be monitored and if there is demand, Auckland Transport will look at increasing its frequency and new bus stops will be added in part of the revitalisation project to Daldy St. There are also a number of other bus routes that come in, or close to, Wynyard Quarter.

Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Transport are also exploring options for improving public transport connections between the quarter and Britomart. Better bus links and a tram/modern light rail link are among the options being considered.

Other initiatives include work being carried out with ASB and all businesses in Wynyard Quarter through the local Travel Management Association to design journey planners for workers which involve facilitating a mix of public transport, walking, cycling and carpooling.