New Zealand Transport Agency State Highway manager Rod James will face opponents of the proposed Bethlehem four-laning project at a public meeting on Tuesday next week.

Bethlehem Progressive Association has organised the meeting to address the issue of the proposed four-laning of State Highway 2 through Bethlehem, following recent information days where details of the project were displayed to the Te Puna and Bethlehem communities by NZ Transport Agency.
The transport agency's plan is to widen the highway through Bethlehem for approximately 300 metres between the Moffat Rd roundabout and a new roundabout to be constructed at the northern end of the SH2 shops.
BPA secretary Rosalie Crawford says local opposition to this plan stems from issues of traffic congestion, with the Wairoa River Bridge and the southern end of Bethlehem to Otumoetai to retain two lanes. Other issues are the potential loss of parking impacting on businesses and the future development of the northern arterial bypass link.
She says the meeting will provide an opportunity for both sides to come together and discuss their opposing viewpoints, as well as assisting individuals or groups who want to engage successfully with key stakeholders such as NZTA and Tauranga City Council.
The meeting is at the Bethlehem Community Church Hall, Moffat Rd, starting at 7pm.
Representatives from businesses and some city councillors will also be at the meeting.