The existing Bayfair Underpass will close in October, says the New Zealand Transport Agency.

This is despite pleas and protests from the Tauranga community and the city's Mayor Greg Brownless.

Greg has written to the transport agency demanding answers from the NZTA over the Bayfair to Baypark 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 Tuesday 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.”

NZTA acting director of regional relationships Ross I'Anson says the NZ Transport Agency remains committed to increasing access to active modes of transport, aligned with the Government Policy Statement, and to finding an appropriate, safe solution for pedestrians and cyclists.

He says the existing underpass will close in October.

'The current Baypark to Bayfair Link project will provide a safe, signalised at-grade crossing for pedestrians and cyclists through a new Bayfair roundabout.

'As part of the project temporary signalised crossing points will be installed in proximity to the existing underpass on Maunganui Road to provide safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

'Further to that, temporary speed limits are in place throughout the Baylink construction site.”

Ross says the state highway traffic (especially trucks) will be diverted away from the roundabout over the flyover so the roads and crossings will be safer for cyclists and pedestrians through the roundabout and Bayfair area.

'The existing underpass needs to be removed to allow for ground improvement works for the approach ramps to the flyover to be built.

'This will involve building a large concrete ramp for the Bayfair flyover to built on top of it, and ground improvements works will include stone columns to strengthen the ground to take the weight of the flyover.

'The Transport Agency continues to work closely with Tauranga City Council and other stakeholders to consider other options to improve pedestrian and cycling connections across the wider network,” says Ross.

'This includes exploring if an overbridge north of Concord Avenue is a viable option in the future.

'The Transport Agency has met with a number of stakeholders during the past few weeks and we will continue the conversation as the results of our investigations are further progressed.”