Tauranga City Council, the Sustainable Business Network and the Bayfair Underpass Alliance have called a public meeting to discuss ways to get the construction of a cycle and pedestrian underpass under the B2B link back on the NZ Transport Agency’s agenda.
The meeting will be held on Monday, 23 September at the Mount Maunganui College Hall, starting at 5.30pm.
Mayor Greg Brownless says the Council has been encouraging NZTA to hold a public meeting to discuss its decision not to proceed with the underpass, which it has estimated could cost in the vicinity of $33 million.
“Those efforts have got us nowhere so far, so we’re looking to get everyone who has an interest in the underpass together to talk about a way forward, before it’s too late,” he says. “My position throughout this process has been that the underpass should remain. It’s vital that we have an efficient way of getting pedestrians and cyclists across Maunganui Road without adversely affecting traffic flows. That will require a grade-separated solution and we want to hear the community’s views on what that solution should look like.”
NZTA representatives have been invited to attend, as have local MPs.
Speakers including Glen Crowther (BOP Regional Manager of the Sustainable Business Network), Tauranga City Council and Bayfair Underpass Alliance representatives will provide background on the existing situation and the issues that would be created if a grade-separated crossing is not reinstated.