For the past few weeks we’ve been trying to understand exactly what’s causing the increasing delays on Welcome Bay Road. We’re hearing what residents are telling us, and those of us who live in Welcome Bay and Ohauiti are experiencing it ourselves.
We’re working with the Transport Agency to gather the traffic data to back up our theories: whether the queues are caused by an increase of people coming into the city from Papamoa and Te Puke; or if it’s the work around Maungatapu underpass that is adding to the problem (which is due for completion in May); or if it’s due to a sudden increase in the number of vehicles on the roads during peak times.
We have longer term plans for Turret Road and 15th Ave but these won’t be implemented for a few more years, so we are working with the Transport Agency and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to see whether there are any practical solutions that might help with Welcome Bay Road in the short term.
Historical data tells us that traffic volumes generally increase in late-February and March with schools and tertiary education starting back. This year seems busier than previous years and the problem is not limited to Welcome Bay. We’re also hearing that people in Welcome Bay are having challenges with the buses being full and delays being longer. Most of the cars on the road at peak times still have only one person in them. If it’s at all possible for more people to car pool, or even adjust work hours to avoid the peak traffic, it will help make a difference. The new Maungatapu underpass will also include a separated cycleway which will make it easier to bike between Welcome Bay Road and the city.