The new Bayfair underpass will soon be available for people crossing State Highway 2/Maunganui Road to use.

The current pedestrian crossing will be removed and the new one will be available from April 20.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency infrastructure delivery regional manager Jo Wilton says it's pleasing to see the underpass come along, knowing how much it means to the community.

'While it's a work in progress, the use of the underpass, on which construction is yet to be finished, will enable the next phase of construction on the Bay Link project,” says Jo Wilton.

'Using it in its current configuration means the temporary signalised crossing on SH2/Maunganui Road can be removed, the work zone in the middle of the road will then be enlarged allowing construction of the northern ramp of the Bayfair flyover to start.

'Construction on the underpass will be ongoing and users can expect to see work happening in and around the area.”

Watch a timelapse of construction so far here: https://youtu.be/NsU5Of_BPhs

How to access the underpass:

· People on foot, bikes, scooters, mobility scooters and wheelchairs approaching SH2 from Matapihi will be able to access the underpass via a new concrete ramp, which will meet the existing temporary footpath in front of Golf 360.

· The Bayfair exit/entrance to the underpass will also be via a new concrete ramp that connects with the Bayfair Shopping Centre carpark. A marked route will connect people with the outside of the shopping centre.

· Pedestrians and cyclists travelling to/from Girven Road should continue east around the outside of the shopping centre and onto the Girven Road footpath.

· Pedestrians and cyclists travelling to/from Mount Maunganui should follow the marked route around the centre's perimeter to the rear of Countdown before using the existing zebra crossing to connect with the footpath leading to SH2/Maunganui Road. Circular blue stickers placed at intervals on the ground will mark the route in both directions.

'We encourage people walking and cycling to make use of the underpass to cross SH2 with the existing signalised crossing being removed. We urge people not to cross SH2 at road level around the Bayfair roundabout, for their own safety as well as that of other road users and road workers.”

This switch will also bring changes for people driving as the removal of the signalised crossing will remove the need for vehicles to stop at traffic lights outside Bayfair Shopping Centre on SH2.

Drivers are reminded that a 30km/h speed restriction is in place around the Bayfair roundabout and a 50km/h speed restriction is in effect between the Te Maunga intersection and Concord Avenue for the duration of the Bay Link project. Please continue to drive with care through the site and follow directions provided on temporary traffic management signage.

Prior to the end of the Bay Link project, the underpass will close for final completion work. At that time, people walking and cycling will be able to cross via the new signalised crossing through the Bayfair roundabout.

'At the completion of the Bay Link project, people walking, on bikes, scooters and mobility scooters will be able to cross State Highway 2/Maunganui Road between Bayfair and Matapihi via the new underpass or the new signalised crossing through the Bayfair roundabout,” says Jo.

'By separating pedestrians and cyclists from the road above, the underpass will provide a safer connection for all users.”

The completed underpass is scheduled to open for use at the conclusion of the Bay Link project in late-2023.

Waka Kotahi thanks road users, local residents and businesses for their patience.

For more information, visit nzta.govt.nz/baylinkunderpass

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