The heat is going on the NZTA from the Mayor's office in Tauranga.

First, Greg Brownless is demanding answers from NZTA over the Bayfair to Baypark project.

He's 'extremely disappointed” the congestion on the two-lane flyover the Baypark and Bayfair intersections park could become ' a significant issue” just 8.5 years after $120 million was spent on the project.

'We believe a better, longer-term solution should have been achievable,” says Greg in a letter to the interim chief executive of the NZ Transport Agency Mark Ratcliffe and also released this morning to SunLive.

He also revisited the underpass uproar, where locals are feeling aggrieved that cars are being given priority over pedestrians and cyclists.

'You should be aware,” Greg warns the NZTA, 'there's a groundswell of community concern about the decision not to proceed with the planned underpass between Matapihi and Bayfair.

'The implications of this decision are far reaching for all stakeholders and the inevitable outcomes are at variance with NZTA's obligations to give effect to the Government's Policy Statement for Transport.”

That statement prioritises safety and access, both of which Mayor Brownless says will not be met for pedestrians and cyclists who will need to negotiate a series of signalized crossing points to get from one side of SH2 to the other.

'This will involve delays and heightened risk during road crossings, while road users will also face unnecessary delays at the crossing points.”

And in his pointed letter to NZTA, Greg says a key council transportation focus is to encourage a progressive shift away from cars to other modes of transport – public transport, cycling and walking.

'And the decision not to proceed with the underpass is therefore extremely unhelpful. The underpass is needed now and that need will only increase as our population continues to grow over the coming decades.”

Greg acknowledges the estimated cost of the underpass has increased significantly from $13 million to $33 million.

'But we believe the contribution the underpass would make to future-proofing this key transportation corridor, and providing safe unimpeded access across SH2 does justify the additional investment involved.”

And the Mayor's also suggested that the NZTA would be construed by some as 'arrogant and uncaring” over its reluctance to engage with the community and hears its concerns about the project.

Efforts have been made to hold a community forum whereby the NZTA, council and community could discuss the development. This has not happened.

Mayor Brownless doesn't share the 'arrogant and uncaring” sentiment, but he has urged the NZTA to work with the council to organise a community engagement opportunity in the very near future.

The Mayor has even given the NZTA's Mark Ratcliffe some council contact details to organise the 'engagement.”

'I look forward to your early and positive response on these matters,” Mayor Brownless told Mark Ratcliffe.

SunLive has approached the NZTA for comment and will provide a response when we can.