The NZ Transport Agency is inviting cyclists to be the first users of the new Pyes Pa Bypass this Saturday by opening it for them ahead of its opening for motor vehicles.
The official opening of the bypass by Transport Minister Steven Joyce is at 10am on Saturday, June 4, and cyclists will be able to ride there unhindered by motor vehicles that morning.
NZ Transport Agency acting state highway manager Richard Young says the 4.5 kilometre bypass means road users will have a less congested, more direct route into the city from State Highway 36 via Route K.
He also says people living on the residential section of Pyes Pa Road will have safer local road access to their property.
'The new road will take about 1.2km off the trip to the Port of Tauranga via Route K and provide a big incentive for thousands of road users to avoid the slow haul through urban Pyes Pa and along Cameron Road,” says Richard.
The $50 million project was built and jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency, Tauranga City Council and Grasshopper Developments.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says completion of the Pyes Pa bypass is another step towards a transport network that provides good inter-regional links and also supports the future growth of the Western Bay of Plenty.
'The new bypass will add to the efficiency of our roading network and will make the local section of Pyes Pa road safer for residents,” says Stuart.
'We'd like to invite locals to come and join in the festivities on Saturday – it's going to be a great family fun day.”
The event is at 10am at The Lakes, Kennedy Road roundabout, with parking available at The Lakes Boulevard.
15 comments
How long for Welcome Bay
Posted on 01-06-2011 12:12 | By Colleen Spiro
Well are they not just the lucky ones... Welcome Bay has been waiting for a bypass for HOW MANY YEARS???. But then it was not really built for the safety of Pyes Pa residents was it???... It was built as part of the LAKES. with $22 million of Council funding.
Research, it's a wonderful thing
Posted on 01-06-2011 13:04 | By Chris
kiaora2u, maybe you should google something called the Hairini Link project. It's an ongoing 3-stage project to improve traffic flows through to Welcome Bay. No, these things dont happen over night. Patience, young child.
Extend Chadwick Road
Posted on 01-06-2011 14:30 | By mr mizprint
If they really want to get traffic off Cameron Road, how about extending Chadwick Road down to Route K to feed traffic to & from Greerton. It should have been done when Route K was built, but I suspect missing out on the toll money would have been the motivation not to.
@ Chris
Posted on 01-06-2011 16:15 | By Colleen Spiro
@Chris...You are right patience is really required... I am directly affected and have the plans right next to me... I's actually a stage 4 plan, or should I say the proposed underpass is stage 4....I have lived in my current location for nearly 25 YEARS and there has always been talk about something needing to be done about our traffic woes. This old NANA is tired of the promises and lack of respect and disregard for the residents likely to be affected. More than rude to walk into your life and say they might need your house for a road and not keep you informed of progress or lack of it. How many roads from Pyes Pa into town/Mount now?? Through the ByPass - Through the toll Road - Down Cameron Road - Through SH29. How many roads lead out of Welcome Bay. ONE.
@Mr Mizprint
Posted on 01-06-2011 16:25 | By Colleen Spiro
Another excellent idea that should have been thought of... Miss all the schools etc on Cameron Road. They should be paying you consultancy fees.
@ kiaora2u
Posted on 01-06-2011 17:20 | By mr mizprint
Thanks, but unfortunately it's beancounters that build roads. While I'm at it how about demolishing the flyover & build a big roundabout so that traffic from 15th ave also have the option of going left to Tauriko & right to town/mount. Currently 15th ave traffic can only go straight through to Bethlehem. Would also mean traffic coming from Tauriko could then go left to Bethlehem. The currently configuration sux
Disaster
Posted on 01-06-2011 19:30 | By Jenny H
kiaora2u totally agree with you. That is a major disaster. The roading system has been designed by pen pushers in offices and dont get out into the real world. as for the round about just completed by the cemetary. Way to small for trucks.?
new road
Posted on 01-06-2011 20:30 | By Glen Clova
Nice to hear all the experts again giving their opinions and i can see that they will not be using the new road good on them,for me great bit of road thanks to all involved in putting it there.
Just use it for cycling 4 all the use it will be
Posted on 02-06-2011 09:10 | By EYESPY
$50 million paid for this bit of arrant nonsense a road that will never be a goer is out and out #$%&wittery.Why was it ever contemplated.Welcome Bay had a far better and cheaper argument for urgent attention.
@ Kirrie
Posted on 02-06-2011 12:43 | By Colleen Spiro
They built the road JUST FOR YOU.....Make sure you use the toll road too so that they can recoup some of your rate-payer money. Do you even CARE about any other part of your city? Did you know and understand what Welcome Bay has been through over the years..... It's seems its a case of if it doesn't affect you then "it doesn't matter. I think Mr Mizprint made some excellent suggestions.
@ Chris
Posted on 02-06-2011 12:46 | By Colleen Spiro
I guess you already have seen the plans for Turret Road as well. No fear it seems of losing the Pohutakawa's. There is a plan of the road going through some of the houses on Turret Road and I believe the Council already own the properties to go ahead. At least that what I was told, but could be wrong.
@ kiaora2u
Posted on 02-06-2011 13:29 | By mr mizprint
Thank you again kiaora2u. I am also a long time resident of Welcome Bay (fifth generation actually), I'm very aware of the traffic issues here so I also feel your frustration. But I have to concede that to provide relief for the most, remeding the shambles that is Route K is where the priority lies. It's a badly designed road, but a few adjustments would make what is currently a lemon, a luxury.
kiaora2u
Posted on 02-06-2011 20:56 | By Glen Clova
I use route k on a regular basis the toll is a pittance also the roundabouts at welcome bay no problems there also.I talk to lots of contractors and they have no problems. I spent over 20 years traveling to and from the mount from 1969 to 89 so have seen a lot of roadworks also did tractor repairs so know all about Welcome Bay roads and side roads.Life is to short to worry about roads just smile as every day is a bonus.
By pass
Posted on 02-06-2011 22:36 | By Colleen Spiro
I too am Tauranga born. Yes Route K is badly designed and you wonder where the forward thinking is/was. In my opinion the Pyes Pa By Pass was NOT as much a NEED, but a WANT by the developers of the Lakes. But my question is, just how many people are going to use it? I will concede that Welcome Bay traffic is better since the lights have been installed... Kirrie you obviously did not try and get out of Welcome at 8am in the morning for YEARS before the lights were installed. I had to leave before 8 to get to work for 9, with what is usually a 8 minute trip to town and the same traffic problems coming home. Just ask anyone who lives out here. I actually don't give a damn if they build the underpass or not. (Personally I think it will NEVER be built), but JUST HAVE THE DECENCY TO TELL ME... I need to know if it's worth doing repairs on my house or if its going to be bowled...So do my neighbours. Whilst building the Pyes Pa By Pass they told the lady who used to own the little shop in Pyes Pa by the Crematorium nothing, and she lost her business and had to move....Shocking! We deserve better.
na
Posted on 07-06-2011 01:01 | By Luke
it was actualy made for our improtant port as well
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