The proposed four laning of State Highway 2 has caused some discontent in the Bethlehem community with some business owners saying it will ruin them. The aim of the project is to improve traffic flow through the area, particularly with a view to the future when traffic volumes are expected to swell considerably.

A video provided by New Zealand Transport Agency, and viewable here on SunLive, shows traffic projections for the contentious strip of road.

SunLive has taken to the streets of Bethlehem to find out what some people in the area have to say on the issue.

If it produces the safety that they are looking for then it is a good idea.
Michael, Te Puna

It might make a big difference, I don't really like it the way it is. Gary Candy, Merivale

More chaos than normal – it is not fair on the poor shops. To me it looks like they are trying to get rid of the shops. It is bad enough as it is now.
Kate, Australia

Not really happy about it, as it will make it very busy with the shops and the parking and it will be hard to cross the road and the cars will go faster. I don't think it is going to be a good thing. Lynly King, Bethlehem

Excellent idea, can't wait.
Wayne, Te Puna

I think it is a bad idea as it is going to hamper vehicle access to the shops.
Mike O'Reilly

Dangerous, worse than what it is – bad enough as it is with all the traffic and it will be more dangerous for pedestrians as the cars are going faster.
Hamish, Judea