Get moving: Will Wellington motorways follow same format as Auckland?

Q: According to your column, the Northern and Southern Motorway exit numbers are based on the distance in kilometres from the beginning of State Highway 1, at Cape Reinga. Does this mean that the Wellington Motorway numbers will be a continuation of this system, with four digits or whatever, and Christchurch and Dunedin similarly? Michael Rowe, Auckland.

A: Yes and no. When the authorities get round to numbering Wellington exits, and from recent observation they haven't started yet, they will be numbered by the distance from Cape Reinga. Until then, Wellingtonians will have to manage by reading the names on the exits. In the South Island, just to be contrary, the numbering will start in Bluff and head north. This hasn't begun yet either.

Q: The footbridge between Akoranga Drive and the new bus station contains three big lamp standards, with bases that cover almost three-quarters of the pavement. Are these permanent fixtures, as they will certainly obstruct users. Rona Smith, Northcote, and T.H. Wallace, North Shore.

A: The lights are and are not a problem as this is still a construction zone and not open to the public yet. They will be replaced by smaller structures in time.

Q: What looks like a tunnel is being built just past the Cook St offramp heading south through Spaghetti Junction. What is it? Gerard Dyer, One Tree Hill.

A: This apparent tunnel will carry two new southbound lanes to provide a direct route from the Harbour Bridge to the Southern Motorway. They will meet the motorway near the Hobson St onramps. The 'roof' of the tunnel will carry lanes from the north to the Northwestern Motorway and the port. Because space is so tight in this area, the southbound lanes are having to be lowered by 3.5m to allow traffic to pass beneath the northwestern and port lanes. In the meantime, southbound motorists are using two 'sacrifice' lanes to allow work to continue. Engineers liken the design to putting a thread through six needles at once.