Letters: What should be done about Welcome Bay Lane?

Three readers pitch a solution for the much-debated Welcome Bay Lane. Photo / George Novak

Regarding traffic jams out of Welcome Bay into Tauranga exacerbated by the closure of the slip lane for the sole benefit of a few cyclists, Alan Ryan hit the nail on the head (Letters, March 7): "What would be a great idea is to lower the speed to 50km/h on Welcome Bay Rd and then increase the speed limit to 70km/h on the underpass/Turret Rd and get rid of the ridiculous 50km/h temporary signs."

After reading the report by Viastrada, which cost $16,500, I note it recommended the cycleway's complete removal and construction of a controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing across Welcome Bay Rd in the area of Awanui Pl instead.

Cyclists and pedestrians would be expected to cross the road again at the Hammond St intersection.

Cyclist Ivan Davie said although he would use the crossing, he doubted other cyclists would bother.

Why was this recommendation rejected because lazy adult cyclists would not use it? If they choose not to, fine, a safe crossing would be in place for children and other responsible cyclists. The slip road would remain open for motorists travelling towards Ohauiti, Greerton and Tauriko, reducing the traffic load heading into Tauranga toward the underpass.

Vicki Coe
Welcome Bay
(Abridged)

Cycle lane should move

The solution to the Welcome Bay underpass cycle lane safety issue has been obvious to me from the very beginning. Simply remove the cycle lane from the underpass and move it to the old route via Welcome Bay Lane. This would take care of the safety issue at the Welcome Bay Lane entrance and at the other side where cyclists have to cross SH2A and the bus lane. I cycle to work every day and this is the route I would use if I lived in Welcome Bay.

Connor McBride
Poike

Reopening slip road won't help

I have read several letters about opening the Welcome Bay slip road and wish to know just what this will accomplish. Not only is it dangerous for the cyclists who have to cross in front of it, but for residents of Greenwood Park who have driven through the tunnel and also have to cross immediately, to be able to enter the village. In the short time it was actually open, the give way sign seemed to mean nothing.

The slip road will not help those who would choose to use it rather than driving through the tunnel to the Turret Rd nightmare, as anyone from Ohauiti Rd or Greenwood Park will tell you. Peak hour will see you face at least three - and often more - changes of traffic lights on the Maungatapu roundabout before you even start to join the tunnel traffic. Closing Hairini Rd to all but buses brings even more people onto the roundabout so be careful what you wish for.

Helen Tomson
Hairini

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