Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is delaying turning onf the traffic signals at Bayfair roundabout.

The signals were due to be turned on on Thursday, but this has now been pushed back to Friday, November 3, due to the bad weather we have had this week.

"Pedestrians will use the underpass until Monday, then the underpass will be temporarily closed and they will need to cross at street-level," says an updated statement from Waka Kotahi.

“We want to make urban walking and cycling a safer, more reliable transport option so that more locals and visitors can choose to get about by bike," says Jo Wilton, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty..

“With the new traffic signals at the Bayfair roundabout, the new walking and cycling route through the roundabout becomes available which will provide a safe local connection between Matapihi and Arataki.

“While signalised roundabouts aren’t that common, for people driving, using the roundabout will be just like any signalised intersection where a prepared driver ensures they are in the correct lane and then follows the red to green light phase.

“Drivers need to make sure they think ahead and choose the correct lane early as they approach the roundabout to avoid last minute lane changes. Once they get used to selecting the correct lane this will lead to smoother traffic flows.

“The signals and the new lanes will be a major change for all road users, making it even more important to be patient with other drivers and people walking and cycling. People should expect an increased number of people walking and cycling through the area, especially with the pedestrian underpass temporarily closing until project completion.

“Immediately following the temporary closure of the underpass, safety escorts will be located at all crossing points during the day to assist people walking and cycling to safely use the new, signposted routes.

“We’re expecting a period of adjustment for people as they become familiar with the new lanes and traffic signals. People will soon realise navigating the new signalised roundabout is easy, but from a safety point of view, they will need to travel carefully until they become used to the new traffic signals and lanes.

“These are significant changes for all road users that will require everyone to navigate the new roundabout with caution, observe the traffic signals and be ready to stop if needed to allow for the safe crossing of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Key changes for road users:

• The new roundabout will feature traffic signals on all approaches and return to two lanes.
• Signalised pedestrian crossings will be available at ground level on Maunganui Road, Girven Road, Matapihi Road and Owens Place to travel between Matapihi and Arataki.
• The walking and cycling route across Maunganui Road will be through the middle of the roundabout, with the ability to cross the road at signalised crossings. Cyclists will be able to choose between using the off-road or on-road facilities when moving through the roundabout.
• Immediately following the temporary closure of the underpass, safety escorts will be located at all crossing points during the day to assist people walking and cycling to safely use the new, signposted routes.
• The walking and cycling paths’ locations have been selected so that they can link with Tauranga City Council’s existing walking and cycling network.
• The pedestrian underpass will temporarily close following the traffic switch until late 2023 for finishing works.
• SH2 road users travelling between Mount Maunganui, the port or the city centre and Pāpāmoa/Tauranga Eastern Link are encouraged to use the Bayfair flyover to bypass the roundabout.
• A free left turn will apply from Matapihi Road into Owens Place, unless road users are required to give way to pedestrians or cyclists using the pedestrian crossing.
• Vehicles over 12 metres will be able to turn left from Matapihi Road onto Maunganui Road.
• A temporary speed limit of 50km/h will apply around the Bayfair roundabout and on all adjacent roads.
• New lanes approaching the roundabout:
• • The Girven Road and the two Maunganui Road approaches now have three lanes.
  • The Matapihi Road approach has two lanes.
  • The roundabout features two lanes.
• Overnight road and lane closures will be in place in the lead up to the traffic switch.

Read more here for additional information.