The speculative $13 million cost to install a brand-new underpass under Maunganui Road from Matapihi Road, accessing Bayfair, defies belief.

The existing underpass, installed around 20 years ago at a cost of $500,000, had residents' full support and works well for the very limited use it gets by pedestrians and cyclists.

The reason floated regarding why the existing underpass cannot remain is said to be the proximity of a new pylon. A practical solution is move the pylon slightly or simply work around it, because that won't cost a fraction of $13million.

This aberration has come about because of whingeing from the deluded lycra-clad brigade. The general public is gobsmacked, so stop this insanity dead in its tracks and reassess the whole situation on a practical, cost-effective basis.

The Transport Minister needs to step in and stop this farce now!

For a cheaper cost, the Windermere over-pass scenario would suffice, perhaps by being attached to a main overpass structure.

S Paterson, Mount Maunganui (abridged)