Letters: State Highway 2 - the debate

A white cross placed beside SH2. Photo/File

Why is it that some people seem to be under the impression that the previous Government did nothing regarding the proposed Northern Arterial road when in fact the New Zealand Transport Authority had approved the funding, and the National Government agreed to this.

Coincidentally the National Government also approved and ultimately built the Eastern Arterial and what a great outcome that was and with a similar vision the Northern Arterial could be a similar high-quality road system.

It was only the change of government that has prevented the Northern Arterial from proceeding with the current Government's insane belief that all roading issues will be solved with funding of buses and train services but, sadly, predominantly in the Auckland region.

Unless locals jump up and down this road will not ever proceed potentially resulting in more unnecessary deaths. Accordingly I strongly support the Fix the Bloody Road supporters.

Mike Baker
Bethlehem

Unfortunately, Cr Murray-Benge (Letters, September 13) loses her way in trying to make political points.

Yes, the Northern Link was planned for construction starting sometime in 2018. Processes leading to this have continued this year (resource consents, pre-loading trials to assess land stabilising techniques etc.).

The previous Government wouldn't have been any more advanced as they gave higher priorities to the Eastern Link and Bayfair to Baypark. I am not aware of any information that says these roads were more dangerous with more deaths justifying a higher priority than the Northern Link.

How many people are aware that the Northern Link proposed by the previous Government is only 6.8km connecting Takitimu Drive Toll Rd through to Loop Rd, just west of Te Puna?

Interesting, as most of the deaths I hear about are not in this small piece of road.
How many people are also aware that the previous Government was looking at tolling this 6.8km?

The current Government says the Northern Link is a priority. But when you look at the previous plan, you can't blame them for reviewing whether it is the best way to address the problems.

Geoff Wane
Bellevue

Regarding State Highway 2, in my opinion, it's the drivers' attitudes that need to be fixed not necessarily the road.

Living at Bethlehem in a 50km/h area I struggle to find drivers travelling at the 50km/h LIMIT through the town centre let alone any less.

I have driven the state highway between Tauranga and north for over 40 years and seen countless drivers taking unnecessary risks.

Even had one driver fall asleep in front of me and try to drive up a bank after crossing the centre line. I suggest it's the drivers who need fixing not the road. Continuous improvements have been made to the road through the years, and I fail to see how a four-lane highway is going to change driver attitude.

If you cross the centre line, you will get hit. Guaranteed. What is wrong with adding a bit of extra travel time?

In this "instant" age patience seems to be lacking and frustration and anger increased.

There is nothing worse than an angry person behind the wheel of a vehicle of any kind. Add alcohol/drugs to that and a ticking time bomb is activated.

Frances Austin
Bethlehem