Get Moving: Ferries on the horizon

By PHOEBE FALCONER

I have heard there are going to be ferries to West Harbour, near Hobsonville, and even Herald Island? When will this happen, and what will the fares be? - Richard, Auckland

Part of what you heard is true. The blueprint to extend Auckland's ferry services was drawn up in 2000 and includes West Harbour, Hobsonville, Beach Haven and Island Bay as priority one destinations.

The Beach Haven ferry is already in service, with three trips each way morning and evening.

Wharf improvements, carparking and passenger facilities are all needed before ferry services to the other spots can be tendered for, and these are some years away. Herald Island did not make the A-list. Fares cannot be set until the services are ready to go.

I know the Gillies Ave onramp to the Southern Motorway closes at night, but I was caught out the other evening when it closed earlier than usual. How can I find out about the closures, and how long is this going on? - Mel, Mt Eden

The closure of this onramp, and the Symonds St onramp, Port and Wellesley St offramp, Khyber Pass Rd on and offramps and motorway links is necessary while work on stages one and two of the central motorway junction proceeds. Stage one will be completed this year and stage two in 2006. All ramp and street closures are advertised in the public notices in this newspaper.

Are cycle routes going to be developed around the city, like spokes of a wheel aiming towards the city centre? - Sara, Mt Eden

The Auckland Regional Council does have a cycling strategy, but it does not seem to share your view that the network should artistically reflect the mode of transport, or that everyone wants to go to the CBD.

The ARC envisages cycle route networks within and between communities so people can bike safely to school, the shops and work.

Infrastructure Auckland has just announced funding for three connected cycleways, which will run from Southdown, past Mangere Bridge, through Onehunga and along State Highway 20 to Richardson Rd in Mt Albert. They are expected to be finished by 2006.

What are the earthworks beside Esmonde Rd in Takapuna for? Will there be a longed-for southbound offramp from the Northern Motorway to Esmonde Rd? - Joy, Browns Bay

Joy, your dreams are coming true. The construction of the new North Shore busway, a separate and dedicated roadway alongside the motorway, will include the offramp you desire as part of the interchange restructure. The website www.busway.co.nz has loads of information, maps that make sense, funding information and more.


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