Traffic delays for Mount Maunganui commuters, first day of Bayfair traffic lights

Traffic is backed up and crawling. Photo / File

Traffic is backed up and crawling on the Tauranga Eastern Link this morning as the temporary Bayfair roundabout traffic lights make their debut.

A Bay of Plenty Times reporter said there were massive traffic queues all the way back to Sandhurst Rd on the Tauranga Eastern Link.

"It's moving very slowly, if at all," she said.

The temporary signalised crossing was put in this morning to enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Bayfair Shopping Centre and Matapihi Rd while construction continues in the centre of the road.

Pedestrians and cyclists could use both the traffic lights and the existing underpass to cross. The new temporary layout included a raised safety platform to slow motorists down.

Escorts would be in place to help people at the crossing points to start with and would help users while they get familiar with changes.

New Zealand Transport Agency portfolio manager Darryl Coalter urged everyone to take extra care while adjusting to the new layout.

The new temporary crossing will be regularly monitored, with a temporary speed limit of 30km/h for safety reasons.