I see the first of the choices for the structure of the State Highway 2 Katikati Bypass. Call me a cynic but I'm not surprised to see proposals for huge roundabouts, great areas of private properties cut into and totally new concepts in design being presented to confuse and divide opinion and incidentally divert huge amounts of money into the hands of planners and contractors unnecessarily, as well as ensuring the bypass will not be operative before the year dot.

The northbound bypass can veer off the highway at the pull-off area on the left past the packhouse, pass southwest of the dart factory and RSA and Citizens building, under Henry Rd and Rewaka Drive and be bridged over the Henry Rd ford - as was always the intention. Southbound traffic from Katikati town turning onto the bypass to travel north can do so from centered hatching.

A minimum of road widening at Marshal and Henry roads would also enable a hatched marking to safen this intersection. The turnoff north of town should work safely also with a hatched marking. By diverting most of the heavy traffic, I fail to see the necessity of the hugely expensive proposals being proposed.

P Martin, Katikati.