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Construction of rail crossing bridges a step closer Construction of rail crossing bridges a step closer

Date: 18 December 2025

New bridges for drivers and pedestrians over the rail lines in Takanini are a step closer with the award of a construction contract for new bridges to replace rail level crossings. 

Auckland Transport (AT) has announced the appointment of Fulton Hogan as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for the Takanini Level Crossing Project.  

The project enables more frequent trains while improving safety, keeping traffic moving and enhancing urban areas. Replacing level crossings with safer new connections is part of Auckland Transport and KiwiRail’s plan to keep increasing train frequencies and grow public transport use in the years after City Rail Link opens. 

Fulton Hogan will work with AT and design partners Aecom-Jacobs on detailed planning to build five new bridges proposed for Takanini. This includes three new vehicle and pedestrian bridges and two bridges for pedestrians and cyclists – replacing four level crossings. 

Auckland Transport is also currently building three new pedestrian bridges at Glen Innes, Te Mahia and Takaanini stations to allow level crossings to be closed. 

Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee says the new crossings for all modes of transport are incredibly important.

“These crossings not only remove the dangerous level and pedestrian crossings and create safer environments for all modes of transport, they also mean the number of passenger and freight trains can increase significantly and enable CRL to work at a capacity reflecting the level of investment.”

AT Co-Director Infrastructure and Place Jane Small says bringing the construction contractor in early to support planning and detailed design work will help to build the bridges more efficiently and drive better value for money. 

“Fulton Hogan’s early involvement will also enable innovation and minimise disruption to local communities during construction. 

“Their proven track record in complex infrastructure projects makes them an ideal partner for this major initiative, which will help unlock the benefits of City Rail Link and improve safety and connectivity in Takanini.” 

Site investigations are currently taking place across Takanini to inform the design process ahead of community engagement in early 2026. Geotechnical, topographical, contamination and utilities investigations will be carried out at more than 200 locations. Property acquisition is also underway.

Enabling works are expected to start in late 2026 with main construction starting in late 2027.

Managing traffic impacts is a priority of the project. There will be a plan in place and initiatives to minimise traffic impacts after City Rail Link opens and during construction, especially when it comes to managing impacts on businesses.

 

Better connections a priority for Takanini community 

Engagement and research with the Takanini community has highlighted strong support for replacing level crossings with bridges as a critical step to ease congestion and improve safety.  

Feedback received also included:  

  • The need for safer, more accessible walking and cycling connections and improved access to public transport. 
  • A desire for better landscaping and greenspaces.  
  • Disconnected paths and a lack of safe crossings lead to short car trips, adding pressure to local roads. 
  • Maintaining access to businesses and services during construction is important, along with the need to manage traffic and congestion effectively. 

Themes gathered will help shape concept designs ahead of further engagement with the community early next year.