Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Transport Minister Chris Bishop marking the start of site works at Takanini Station. Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins
Work will begin next week on a multi-million-dollar project to replace many of Auckland's level crossings - where roads intersect with train tracks - with overbridges.
Eight level crossings at Takanini and Glen Innes will be replaced with three road bridges and three pedestrian bridges, while two level crossings deemed unsafe will be closed.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Transport Minister Chris Bishop marked the start of siteworks at Takanini Station, turning the first sod on Sunday afternoon.
Minister Bishop said level crossings were frustrating for Aucklanders, and could mean lost income for tradies, truck drivers and couriers, if they had to wait until trains passed.
"These projects are going to improve safety for Aucklanders, make it easier for City Rail Link (CRL) to operate and, once CRL opens, it will mean trains can run more smoothly and you won't have the barrier arms going down holding up traffic, making it harder for Aucklanders to get around."
The Prime Minister was confident that replacing Auckland's level crossings with overbridges would make a difference.
"If we can remove these level crossings pretty quickly over the next few years, that's going to keep traffic flowing as a result."
The Prime Minister was confident that replacing Auckland's level crossings with overbridges would make a difference. Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins
Mayor Wayne Brown said, with the CRL opening next year, commuters could expect faster journeys and less congestion, and it would be safer for people to walk and drive.
"Level crossings are not an easy fix and it was another problem added to my fix-list when I became mayor, but I was determined to find a solution and now we can get this done.
"This is about getting a good deal for Aucklanders, and is a great example of what can happen when government and council partner to get the work done and improve safety."
Mayor Wayne Brown said commuters could expect faster journeys, less congestion and increased safety. Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins
Auckland Transport said about 200 construction workers would be employed on the project this year.
In February 2025, the government and Auckland Council each confirmed $200 million in funding for the first three years of the work. The NZTA board approved the funding in April 2025.
The remainder of the cost would likely be allocated through the National Land Transport Programme 2027-30.
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