Ask Phoebe: Road not quite wide enough for four lanes the whole way

Manukau Road, Epsom. Photo / Steven McNicholl

In the morning, I drive along Manukau Rd, Epsom, towards the city. From Greenwoods Corner, the road becomes two lanes to ease traffic congestion. However, for a section of the road (approximately 100m-200m) before Arcadia Rd on the left, the lanes are not marked. Is there any reason for this? As things are at present, technically any traffic moving on the inside is undertaking and in breach of the law. Steve Alpe, Royal Oak.

A spokesman for Auckland Transport advises that the width of Manukau Rd at this section is approximately 14m and widens to approximately 15m towards its intersection with Green Lane West.

Manukau Rd forms part of the CBD-to-airport route and is a strategic route with a high volume of heavy commercial vehicles.

Due to the northbound right-turn bay into Claude Rd, which is opposite Arcadia Rd, Manukau Rd isn't wide enough for four lanes (two lanes in each direction along Manukau Rd).

This right-turn bay is required to give refuge for a high number of right-turning vehicles for the Greenlane Clinical Centre, residential properties and users of Cornwall Park.

It should be noted that the flush median and four lanes north of Claude Rd are possible because the road is wider at this point.

At the corner of Binsted St and Great North Rd in New Lynn, heading west, there are huge queues nightly. There is room to put in a free turn left which would speed things up hugely. Is this likely to happen? Rowan Christopherson, West Auckland.

I assume you are talking about the intersection of Binsted Rd and Rata St, as Binsted does not intersect with Great North Rd.

Auckland Transport has no immediate plans to provide a free left-turn lane at this particular intersection. Rata St is a key corridor with high traffic volumes during the peak travel times.