Ask Phoebe: Tar squiggles are sealing the cracks

Recently in Manurewa we have seen drizzly tar markings all over the road, like random scribbles. Initially I thought that the road contractors were trying to fill cracks in the road surface, but the extent of the drizzle marks, which make a loud noise when driven over, have no pattern and make no sense. Why are the tar marks there? Anthony Weijermars, Manurewa.

This is a common way to seal cracks in the road surface and extend its life. But Manukau City Council officials feel the contractor has been over-enthusiastic in his application of the tar, in Mahia Rd in particular, and they'll be having a word with him.

Under the Airdrie Rd signpost on Swanson Rd in Ranui is a "police" sign, pointing down Airdrie Rd. We have checked the road and been unable to find anything associated with the police. What is it there for? Philip Gilmer, West Auckland.

It points to the Ranui community constable's office, which is in a commercial block on the corner of Airdrie and Swanson Rds. The office is not always obvious if the police car is not parked outside, but it is marked as a police station in my Wises street map.

The Sturges Rd bridge over the railway line is down to one lane and has been for months, supposedly for twin tracking. There are always hordes of people there but it is hard to see if there is any progress. There is a Bailey-type bridge, complete with traffic lights, placed about 2m above the level of the road to allow for single-lane traffic. We can see no evidence of a new bridge but a crane has recently arrived so hopefully, after all this time, some real work will be done. Unless the finished road level is raised or the new bridge is at the level of the old one, it will become a dangerous place as it is not possible to see over the top. Can you give us an up-to-date report on progress please? Geoff Cox, Henderson.

The Waitakere City Council is happy to oblige, Mr Cox. Sturges Rd bridge is being replaced because the old one did not meet the needs of the local road users or the planned electrification of the rail line.

The deck of the bridge will be 60cm higher than the old structure so road levels on the approaches at both ends of the bridge will be raised.

The new bridge is being built in two sections, one side at a time. Work on the eastern side started in May and is expected to be finished late next month. Until then, traffic is restricted to the Bailey bridge which will be removed when stage one is completed.

Single-lane traffic will then travel on the new section of bridge while the western side is built. The project is scheduled to be completed in December, when the bridge will have three lanes and shared cycle and pedestrian paths on either side.

Because the bridge runs over a rail line there are restrictions on when work can be carried out. The council would like to thank road users and residents for their patience.

Some time ago you reported that motorcyclists could use the bus lanes at traffic signals. If this is the case, can they proceed on the B light, which appears before the general green light? Paul Hall, Auckland.

Yes indeed. If you are legally allowed to use the bus lane, you can use the lights that pertain to these lanes.