There was a rowdy reception for the Transport Minister tonight in Katikati.

About 400 people turned out at the Katikati War Memorial Hall to hear Simon Bridges and Transport Agency officials outline their plans for State Highway Two.

Emotions are running high over the condition of State Highway Two, following the deaths of five fruit workers this week.

Transport Agency speakers were booed off the microphone early on to allow Minister Bridges time for questions to be fired at him.

Dozens of people did just that, asking how much their lives are worth and how many more deaths had to occur before the $42 million Katikati bypass was built.

Minister Bridges said $85 million out of $520 million going into the area was being put into safety around dangerous roads - but that did little to settle the crowd who had their mind on one thing.

Mr Bridges said their demand for the bypass was loud and clear.

"They want a sense that the trucks, but not just the trucks, the very strong road numbers of light and heavy vehicles, go around them."

But Mr Bridges is making no promise people will be getting what they want.

He said the Transport Agency decides which road projects it'll be involved with through a carefully considered process, not purely on the passions expressed at one public meeting.

Mr Bridges said he leaves tonight's meeting with a lot of viewpoints to go through, as well as an understanding for the situation, knowing the community believes they achieved nothing tonight.