Baypark to Bayfair Link project to include new underpass
We are delighted to announce that the Baypark to Bayfair Link project will now include a new separated pedestrian and cycle underpass at the Bayfair roundabout.
Transport Agency Projects Team Manager John McCarthy says we have listened to the community feedback about losing the existing underpass function and are excited about delivering an underpass that will be used by so many members of the community daily, including shoppers, commuters, cyclists residents and school children.
The current underpass was due to be closed permanently as part of the Bay Link project.
“Once completed, the project will provide two options for people walking or cycling to cross State Highway 2; they will either use the new underpass connecting Matapihi Road and Bayfair Shopping Centre or cross at ground level through the centre of the new Bayfair roundabout using the pedestrian crossings at the traffic lights.
“A detailed design process needs to be completed before construction of the new underpass can begin, but we intend to integrate the new underpass with the current project,” he said.
The new underpass will be constructed alongside the old underpass allowing a safe route throughout the project. Once the underpass is operational the old underpass will be infilled to accommodate the weight of the new Bayfair flyover approach ramps.
On average more than 500 people use the underpass each day, and the number of cyclists using the underpass in the past seven years has tripled – a trend that is likely to increase, said Mr Mcarthy.
Nationwide, there is a focus on active travel modes – walking, cycling, mobility scooters and future modes, and public transport.
“The new underpass aligns with the wider Tauranga Transport Programme and Tauranga City Council’s Tauranga Cycle Action Plan, seeking to encourage people out of their cars and enable them to make safe and healthy travel choices.”
Mr McCarthy said the decision to construct the new underpass also reflects changes in housing and development in the Arataki, Bayfair and Matapihi area, which will see more people using the underpass in the future.
“Shopping areas on both sides of the state highway at Bayfair and Owens Place are increasing, and higher density residential developments in the area will see more people living in this area and wanting to cross the state highway.”
He said the Transport Agency and city and regional councils were making good progress on public transport options in this area and the SH2 Maunganui Road corridor, as part of the Public Transport Blueprint and the Tauranga Transport Plan.
The initial cost for the new underpass is estimated to be $13 million, with the final cost to be determined once the detailed design is complete. Tauranga City Council will also be contributing to the underpass.
Cr Rick Curach, Chair of the Tauranga City Council Transport Committee and regular user of the underpass, acknowledged the dedication of those who campaigned for the underpass to remain.
“It’s reassuring to see decisive action in response to the public voice, and to see the Transport Agency adapting their project to make it safer and easier for more people to travel through this area.”
Cycle advocacy group Bike Tauranga chair Kevin Kerr was pleased with the news and acknowledged the community in the Transport Agency’s decision.
“The community has pushed and pushed to have an underpass option in the Bay Link project, and it’s great that they have been listened to.”
The decision will be announced at the Tauranga City Council transport committee meeting this afternoon, 12 November 2018.
Pictured below: fom left, Bike Tauranga chair Kevin Kerr, Tauranga City Councillor Rick Curach, BOP regional manager Sustainable Business Network Glen Crowther and NZ Transport Agency projects team manager John McCarthy.
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