Ask Phoebe: Fences hide revamp for ferry terminal's wharf

Q. I live in Birkenhead Point, a short walk from the ferry terminal. For the past few months there has been a lot of activity on the wharf - there is a workers' building and part of the wharf is fenced off. I have asked North Shore City Council and it says it's nothing to do with them, and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority says the same. I tried Fullers Ferries and it said to get in touch with ARTA. Please can you find out what's going on, and what the outcome is expected to be? Christina Windram, Birkenhead Point.

A. Quite a lot is going on. HEB Structures and McGrath Engineering have been contracted to carry out work on the outer berth at Birkenhead Wharf, on behalf of ARTA. The project involves making and installing a new hydraulic boarding platform and piles, as well as fenders, gangway ramp, building modifications and plant room.

The temporary building beside the existing ramp is being used as a site office, and the hoardings are to keep the public out of the building site, and therefore safe.

Q. While the Newmarket Railway Station was being built, a temporary station was put in where the line crosses Kingdon St. Approximately 90 per cent of this temporary station was removed during the Christmas holidays, but since then it appears nothing more has been done. When will the remaining structure be removed and vehicle access through Kingdon St reinstated? Gary McAlister, Auckland.

A. I didn't know that the demo work on the Kingdon St station hadn't been finished, so I don't know when it will be done. But whether or not it is, there are problems associated with re-opening the street to through traffic. The imminent electrification of the Auckland rail network, as well as changes to passenger rail travel, means trains through Kingdon St will be even more frequent. This will cause traffic delays, queues and disruption. KiwiRail is looking at various options for the level crossing here, and talking to the city council. Whatever they come up with, it seems that construction on Auckland's western line will keep Kingdon St closed for a while yet.

Q. Work is well under way on the extension of the Northwestern Motorway to the intersection with Brigham Creek Rd and SH16. When it's finished, will this new intersection be controlled by traffic lights or a roundabout? What are further plans for the motorway? Up SH16 to Kumeu and eventually to Helensville? Brian Quinn, Epsom.

And the winner is - a roundabout. It will form the interchange connecting the new extension of SH16, Brigham Creek Rd and the existing SH16. Once the new motorway opens, SH16 North of Don Buck Rd will become a local road managed by the Waitakere City Council.

The Hobsonville Deviation, of which Brigham Creek Rd is a minor part, is the northeastern arm of the Western Ring Route, a 48km alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany, via SH20, SH16 and SH18. As Kumeu and Helensville are not on this route, there are no plans to extend the motorway in that direction.