The three National ‘Magis' Messrs Bridges, Simpson and Muller are clearly highway window dressing for the 2017 elections.

Nothing of any consequence is going to happen right now, it will take 10 years-plus before it all eventuates. Maybe $520 million in today's money but probably a $1 billion in the end analysis.

Interestingly, it leads nowhere in particular, we still have to negotiate the dreadful Karangahake Gorge and Whangamata nightmarish winding road to get out.

It is just another eastern arterial highway to nowhere. By all means do the safety improvements now for Katikati and Omokoroa to Tauranga to improve traffic flow and address safety concerns on SH2 but the rest is nonsense.

The New Zealand Transport Agency and Tauranga City Council should be urgently addressing Bayfair roundabout, Elizabeth St/Takatimu Drive gridlock, pushing through Grenada St to Papamoa, dealing with Te Maunga and Tauriko blockages – all with the easy, cheap, short-term options available to alleviate traffic mayhem within the Tauranga City precincts.

Even Thompson's Track to Te Aroha may be a better investment than the Tauranga Northern Link.

This nebulous thing has got Northland bridges and the Welcome Bay tunnel/Turret Rd widening written all over it.

R Paterson, Matapihi.