Plans for the new Bayfair underpass. Image / Supplied
Plans for the new Bayfair underpass. Image / Supplied
Construction has begun on a crucial pedestrian and cycling underpass under one of Tauranga's busiest roads - despite the fact it had not originally been planned for.
The Bayfair underpass will run under State Highway 2, Maunganui Rd, in a similar location to the original which has been destroyed aspart of the Baypark to Bayfair (B2B) project, also known as BayLink.
Originally, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had not included a replacement underpass as part of the now $262 million B2B project but fierce opposition from the community changed this.
Entrances to the underpass will be made up of two separate reinforced concrete portals. These will be connected by an open-air trench located under the new flyover bridge, north of the Bayfair roundabout.
Bayfair Underpass Alliance chairman Philip Brown says the construction of the new Bayfair underpass is a win-win for everyone. Photo / NZME
Bayfair Underpass Alliance chairman Philip Brown said the work was a victory "for common sense" as there was a crucial need for the accessway.
"There was a need 20 years ago when the original underpass was built and this need has only grown since then. Providing a safe transit path for pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility scooter users is always important. Additionally, the traffic is not slowed to allow pedestrians to cross the road. In all, a win-win for everyone."
Concept drawing reveals an open-top underpass, lined with plants with walls angling outwards. Entrance portals were about 3m wide by 2.5m high.
"From the sketches, the solutions are in line with the discussions and meetings held over two years ago. In the detail, I expect CCTV surveillance, good drainage, good lighting, a passive barrier system to slow cyclists in the middle section and a help call button in three locations," Brown said.
Plans for what the entrance to the new underpass could look like. Image / Supplied
Preparatory work began in August, when the previous underpass was closed for demolition and a temporary signalised crossing was introduced instead.
Transport advocacy group Greater Tauranga's Heidi Hughes said the underpass had been long-fought for by the community.
"There won't be any other [pedestrian and cyclist crossing] solutions there for 50 years so we wanted to make sure they did it right from the start. That's what we fought for."
Hughes, who was also part of the Bayfair Underpass Alliance, said the underpass plans looked great and "so much friendlier compared to the last one".
"I think the open cover is a good thing and I really like the planting in there. It's already been proven that if you create a really nice environment, people feel a bit safer and welcome.
Transport advocate Heidi Hughes pictured in 2017 in the previous Bayfair underpass. Photo / NZME
Hughes said access to and from the underpass needed to be considered, particularly for people coming from the Arataki side in Bayfair's carpark.
Bike Tauranga's Kevin Kerr echoed the concern regarding safe accessibility.
"... Cyclists should not be using one of New Zealand's busiest mall carparks as a thoroughfare.
"This is extremely dangerous and there have been numerous incidents of near collisions. What is required is for a separated cycle path around the outside of the carpark and then merging into Girven Rd."
Kerr said the group was keen to talk to the appropriate authorities on how best to progress this.
"The Bayfair link is a key one for cyclists between the city and Pāpāmoa and it will become even more important as the proposed recreational cycle route from Waihī to Rotorua needs to travel through this intersection," Kerr said.
Kevin Kerr from Bike Tauranga is looking forward to completion of the new Bayfair underpass. Photo / George Novak
Waka Kotahi regional manager of infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said it was pleasing to have the underpass under way, knowing how much it meant to the community. The construction of it was "a significant step for the project".
"It's fantastic to move into the next phase of construction at the Bayfair end of the project. We appreciate that the underpass is a key link in Tauranga's cycling network, which is regularly used by residents and school children walking and cycling between Tauranga City, Matapihi and the Bayfair and Arataki areas," Wilton said.
The underpass was expected to be opened when the B2B project was completed.
When the first sod was turned on this phase of the project in 2017, it was expected to cost $120m and be finished by 2020. This year, however, Waka Kotahi confirmed the estimate had risen to $262m, finishing in December 2023.
