Uifliij of the Mme: Taurahga City

19 August 2019

Mark Ratcliffe
Interim Chief Executive
NZ Transport Agency

By email: mark.ratcliffe nzta. ovt.nz

Dear Mark
Bay Park to Bayfair Project 8H2 Maunganui Road Underpass

Further to my letter of 15 Aug ust. wish to expand upon the particular concerns held by Council
elected members and senior staff, and members of the Tauranga community. about the Bay
Park to Bayfair (323) project and NZTA's decision not to proceed with the planned underpass
under SHZIMaunganui Road.

it is extremely disappointing that congestion on the two-lane ?yover over the Bay Park
and Bayfair intersections is expected to become a significant issue in just 8.5 years. Given the
$120-plus million cost of this project, we believe a better, longer-tenn solution should have
been achievable.

Secondly, you should be aware that there is a groundswell of community concern about the
decision not to proceed with the planned underpass link between Matapihi and Bayfair. The
implications of this decision are far-reaching for all stakeholders and the inevitable outcomes
are at variance with obligations to give effect to the Government Policy Statement for
Transport. Specifically. the GPS key strategic priorities of safety and access will not be met
for pedestrians and cyclists. who will need to negotiate a series of signalised crossing points
to get from one side of 8H2 to the other. This will involve delays and heightened risk during
road crossings, while road users will also face unnecessary delays at the crossing points.

A key Council transportation project focus is to encourage a progressive shift away from cars
to other modes of transport public transport. cycling and walking and the decision not to
proceed with the underpass is therefore extremely unhelpful. The underpass is needed now
and that need will only increase as our population continues to grow over the coming decades.

We acknowledge that the estimated cost of the planned underpass has increased signi?cantly
(from $13 million to $33 million), but believe that the contribution the underpass would make
to future-proo?ng this key transportation corridor. and providing safe, unimpeded access
across 8H2. does justify the additional investment involved.

MAYOR GREG BROWNLESS

Tauranga City council

91 Willow Street, Private Bag 12022, Tauran-ga 3143. New Zealand

Phone 07 577 7016 Email