Hundreds of people turned up in Katikati yesterday to quiz New Zealand Transport Agency staff on options to improve one of the country's deadliest highways.
A huge crowd of locals came to learn more about the shortlist of options for the roading network, and keenly gave their feedback to the agency's roading engineers and project team.
Different options for the upcoming roading projects between Omokoroa and Te Puna, and Waihi to Omokoroa were displayed on boards.
On these boards, the options NZTA considered were the "best balance" between safety, social and environment objectives were highlighted.
Staff were also there to answer questions about the Tauranga Northern Link and the proposed Katikati bypass.
The Government last year announced a $520m programme of proposed works to transform the roading network over the next 10-plus years.
NZTA's Bay of Plenty highway manager Niclas Johansson said the overall objective for the SH2 Waihi to Tauranga corridor was to improve safety and travel times, support economic growth, and help cater for the growth needs of the region.
He would not be drawn when construction could potentially begin for the Katikati bypass, where it would go and how much it could cost.
"The current proposal was to locate the bypass along the previous designated route but public feedback will help us decide whether that is the best option," he said.
Frustrated Katikati resident Heather Paul said she came along to the open day because she wanted to know when the bypass project would start.
"I don't want to be sceptical but we were told we were going to get a bypass about 10 years or more ago," she said.
Alan Williams, a Katikati resident since 1952, said he was not in favour of a bypass, instead favouring a tunnel.
The public had until April 12 to give their feedback to the NZTA, with similar open days in Waihi today and in Omokoroa on Saturday.
NZTA expected to announce the preferred options for Waihi to Omokoroa and Omokoroa to Te Puna plus an update on the Katikati urban project later this year.
Sh2 Waihi to Tauranga Corridor
NZTA's shortlisted favoured options
Section A: Waihi to Omokoroa - Option 3 which would have a wide centreline with the potential for median barrier at the highest risk sections: Estimated cost $95m
Section B: Katikati Bypass - Would divert traffic around the township but where it would go and how much it would cost still to be finalised.
Section C: Omokoroa to Te Puna - 'Option D' includes a new offline highway with four lanes, a central median barrier, and grade separated interchange at Omokoroa.