Community feedback shapes safer, more accessible station bridges Community feedback shapes safer, more accessible station bridges
Date: 15 September 2025
Final designs for new pedestrian bridges at Glen Innes, Takaanini, and Te Mahia stations have been released ahead of construction.
To support more frequent trains, the new bridges will replace existing level crossings at the stations, where pedestrian crossings intersect with rail lines. Everyone who uses the stations will have improved safety and accessibility – with stairs and large, reliable lifts.
Main construction works begin in October, with the majority of the works being carried out during the summer rail upgrades closure and other already planned rail closures to reduce disruption to rail passengers.
The station bridges are part of a project to replace rail level crossings in Glen Innes and Takanini with eight new road and pedestrian bridges.
Auckland Transport Head of Level Crossings Tom Willetts says AT has used feedback from local boards, councillors, the community and mana whenua to shape the design of the new bridges.
“People told us they support the new bridges and the things most important to them are reliable access to the station, safety and security, car parking and protection,” Mr Willetts says.
As a result, AT has made several improvements to the designs, including:
- Adding weather protection by way of canopies and anti-climb/throw/jump screening at all sites
- Reducing the number of carparks to be removed at Takaanini Station (13 down from originally proposed 19).
- Mahi toi design at Glen Innes Station.
AT will also upgrade the Glen Innes pedestrian underpass to improve safety and maintenance.
Mr Willetts says Auckland Transport is also progressing plans for new bridges to replace road level crossings in Takanini.
“We’re further developing the concept designs and plans for how we will manage construction, including traffic impacts”, of these road bridges. To help with this we’re currently seeking feedback from the community and stakeholders.”
Background
We are committed to putting people and places at the heart of how we design and deliver our transport system. Replacing level crossings are part of Auckland Transport and KiwiRail’s plan to be able to carry increasing numbers of people on quicker, even more frequent, easy train services during the 30 years after City Rail Link opens.
Auckland Council and the Government through NZTA have brought forward funding to allow the delivery of the Takanini and Glen Innes level crossing projects.
Throughout May 2025 AT engaged with mana whenua, partners, stakeholders, and the wider community on the proposed station bridge designs, focusing on understanding what was important in terms of access, connectivity, and safety around each station.
Additional suggestions from the community that aren’t part of the station bridges work are continuing to be explored. This includes enhancements to drop-off zones, secure bike storage, and additional AT HOP card readers.
To future-proof the bridges, AT is working closely with KiwiRail to accommodate potential rail network upgrades, including the possibility of a third and fourth track in the future.
New pedestrian bridges:
- Takanini, Te Mahia, and Glen Innes stations
Pre-construction works start this week, with main construction starting during summer.
Major new bridges to replace road level crossings:
- Spartan Road – to be replaced with a walking and cycling bridge
- Manuroa Road – to be replaced with a walking and cycling bridge
- Manuia Road – new vehicle and pedestrian bridge (allows Manuroa and Spartan Road vehicle level crossing closures)
- Taka Street – to be replaced with a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge
- Walters Road – to be replaced with a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge.