An independent report into the transport agency-led Maungatapu Underpass project - prompted after the Bay of Plenty Times' coverage - found 25 safety issues, including the Welcome Bay Rd cycleway which cuts across the entrance to Welcome Bay Lane. Read more about that here.
The lane acted as an easy slip road for traffic travelling 60km/h towards Hairini, Mount Maunganui, Greerton and Ohauiti. That traffic is now funnelled into a controlled intersection at Hammond St, where it waits to turn left.
The report recommended the cycleway's removal and construction of a controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing across Welcome Bay Rd in the area of Awanui Place instead. This has previously been met with criticism by Grainger and Tauranga's Transport Committee chairman Rick Curach and cyclists.
Grainger has now created his own solution of extending the cycleway up Welcome Bay Lane and into a waiting bay for cyclists to cross when able. However, he said he was told this would be too dangerous "but they have a sign on the other side of the underpass telling cyclists to cross two lanes of traffic?".
Cr Curach said Welcome Bay residents were bearing the brunt "of this ridiculous situation".
"There's an easy safety fix that could have seen the slip lane reopen by now," he said.
"The lack of urgency is infuriating."
Tauranga City Council's acting general manager of infrastructure Martin Parkes said it had been a challenge to find the right solutions "that will work for as many different people as possible".
Parkes said it was possible the road would be closed permanently if the council determined "this was in the best interests of safety and the wider transport network in the area".
"However, it would appear the transport system works safely and efficiently without Welcome Bay Lane being open to general traffic. Should this situation be made permanent it is acknowledged that some minor modifications to the traffic lights at Welcome Bay Rd/Hammond St will be required."
The final decision will be made by councillors when the issue is formally referred to them and "we are expecting this to happen within the next few months".
The transport agency's Bay of Plenty systems manager Rob Campbell responded to Grainger's criticism by stating people's safety was top priority.
Detailed traffic modelling which text variations of having the road opened or closed revealed slight favour to keep the lane closed, he said.
A formal recommendation from the agency is expected to be made to the council this year.
