Q: What is the reason for the white dots on either side of Tamaki Drive, near the Parnell baths? Spencer Maxwell, Orakei.
A: They are temporary markings, put there by Land Transport NZ, to mark areas used for road surface testing. They are using several sites around the city, includingPah Rd in Epsom.
Q: Do we have to wait for the widening of the Newmarket Viaduct to be completed before we can have a decent surface on it? Hugh Fergus, Greenlane.
A: No, which is a good thing as construction on the widening and strengthening will probably not start until 2008-09 and will take three years. Transit plans to resurface the viaduct in March.
Q: Why, on the Northwestern Motorway heading west, near the Lincoln Rd offramp, does the road 'sing'? A high-pitched whine is clearly noticeable, regardless of vehicle. It doesn't seem to happen on the citybound side of the motorway. Dale Bradly, Auckland.
A: It's a function of the interaction between the road surface and the type of tyre. The surfaces of the road are different eastbound and westbound, so now you hear it, now you don't.
Q: The road markings on the southbound onramp to the Northern Motorway from Tristram Ave are confusing. When approaching from the east, two lanes turn left on to the ramp and merge further on. Cars in the right lane turn as well, and because the markings are unclear, they then try to merge with the left lane, with the result that three lanes of traffic try to squeeze on to the onramp. Are there any plans to improve the marking to discourage this? Jon Minhinnick, Sunnynook.
A: Next year, Transit will start work on an overpass for buses alongside the southbound ramps at Tristram Ave. The final layout will incorporate an extra westbound lane, so that through traffic can bypass the left-turn queues and hopefully reduce the holdups in the morning.
Brickbat: Still no sign of a clearway in the morning in Stokes Rd, Mt Eden. The eyes of the world, or at least the locals, are on you, Auckland City.
This is the last column for 2005. We'll resume on January 17.
