The speculative $13+million cost to install a brand new underpass under Maunganui Rd from Matapihi Rd accessing Bayfair defies belief.
The existing underpass installed about 20 years ago costing $500,000 had residents' full support and works well for the very limited use it gets by pedestrians and cyclists.
The reason floated why the existing underpass cannot remain is said to be the proximity of a new pylon. Well the commonsense and practical solution is move the pylon slightly or simply work around it because that won't cost a fraction of $13m.
This aberration has come about because of whingeing from cyclists.
The general public is gobsmacked, so stop this insanity dead in its tracks and reassess the whole situation on a practical cost-effective basis, and NZTA face financial reality for once please.