Re: Traffic shambles and wrong infrastructure priorities. While it is fair to say local authorities couldn't foresee the huge upsurge in people migrating to Tauranga, the same could not be said of failure to address impending traffic issues.

Currently, the four-laning Te Maunga/Hairini and Turret Rd/15th Ave is relatively simple using existing roads.

Papamoa East accessing the Tauranga Eastern Arterial and pushing through Gloucester Rd to Gravatt Rd - relatively simple - and Welcome Bay Rd is steadily improving.

Completion of the Northern (Katikati) Arterial, Matapihi Rd low-level harbour crossing, new Hairini and Maungatapu bridges are more costly but achievable. Tauranga City Council, Government and the New Zealand Transport Agency must stop pontificating and address immediately.

In 1981 Welcome Bay underpass work was imminent but the Ruahine Canal collapse intervened, diverting attention and machinery.

Dragging the chain on the current Welcome Bay underpass is a disgrace, had this been China, the United States, Australia or United Kingdom, the work could possibly have been completed in three months, not years with same manpower and equipment.

It is uncompleted and unlikely to be done before 2017 General Elections, and it seems Tauranga citizens will realise what a nonsense it is without a new Hairini Bridge and four-laning Turret Rd.

Route K fiascos and the inability to access Route K at 15th Ave or connect with Takitumu Drive to Bethlehem illustrates what a project disaster this was.

Sure, all initiatives cost but let's direct money into infrastructure, not ill-conceived, unnecessary rugby stadiums, museums, new civic centres, convention and performing arts centres, cricket ovals etc.

Welcome Bay councillors plugging four-laning as election spin have been silent since October 2016 - what a farce. Voters were sucker-punched.

Most roadway funding is Government's concern - even if only 50 per cent - not TCC ratepayers whose contribution should total perhaps $20million but will hit $100million – Government's liability remains $400 million-plus.

R Paterson, Matapihi.