Maungatapu Underpass strikes major teething problem

Tauranga-bound traffic remained heavy on Friday morning despite the opening of the new Maungatpu Underpass. Photo / John Borren

Barely 24 hours after the Maungatapu Underpass was opened to Tauranga traffic, "concerns about drivers' safety" has prompted the closure of a Turret Rd accessway.

Tauranga City Council and the NZ Transport Agency monitoring the temporary stop at the end of Hairini St have announced they will close that accessway from early tomorrow morning.

The council and NZTA opened the Maungatapu Underpass to traffic on Friday, but by peak hour the morning traffic attempting to access Turret Rd from Hairini St was significantly backed up. Motorists took to social media to complain about struggling to leave the stop sign intersection due to heavy traffic coming from State Highway 29A.

Motorists labelled the Hairini St and Turret Rd junction a "shambles" while others using Welcome Bay Rd were happy with a faster commute.

The council issued a press release on Saturday stating the move was made out of concerns about drivers' safety.

Traffic attempting to use Hairini St will now be diverted onto Turret Rd via the Maungatapu roundabout.

The end of Hairini St will remain closed for the next few weeks while the new link road and bus lane are being completed.

The Hairini St bus stop will also be closed.

The council stated that for the next few weeks people will need to use the bus stop at Greenwood Park on Welcome Bay Rd.

Tauranga City Council and the NZ Transport Agency apologise for the inconvenience, the announcement stated.

The Maungatapu Underpass. Photo/John Borren