Date: 3 June 2026

Auckland Transport (AT) is proposing much needed improvements to Lake Road through the Belmont Shops, to unbuckle this often-congested intersection from bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Anyone driving along Lake Road to or from Devonport or Bayswater has likely endured the pain of a long wait at this notorious choke point.

The road network around the Belmont Shops hasn’t been improved for decades, and AT believes the time is right to modernise this area and install a fit for purpose roading design.

North Shore Ward Councillor John Gillon says traffic congestion on Lake Road is one of the most frustrating issues facing local residents.

“The long-awaited upgrade of the Belmont Shops intersection will address one of the key congestion pinch-points, as well as address safety issues.

“Please provide your feedback on this project to help get Lake Road moving,” he says.

North Shore MP Simon Watts is also on board with the proposed improvements.

"Following ongoing engagement with Auckland Transport and NZTA, since becoming the local North Shore MP, I am pleased to see progress to improve Lake Road.

“This investment will help reduce traffic congestion and make our community safer and more resilient.”

Auckland Councillor Richard Hills is also in support of the proposed changes, admitting that improvements to at least this part of Lake Road are a positive step.

“Although many residents were disappointed funds for the Lake Road upgrade were de-prioritised through government budgets, this project brings part of the solution forward in the meantime.

“We really want to hear the communities’ views on the design, on how they use the space. Whether you’re on foot, driving, cycling, in a bus or using other modes, we want to understand if this proposal will improve your experience of the intersection and how it can be improved before the design is complete and work starts.”

What are the improvements that are so urgently needed?

At the Belmont Shops intersection, cars struggle to merge from two lanes back to one lane after the intersection, with not enough space provided on the road to keep the queue from stopping in the middle of the intersection.

There are also issues such as confusing layouts, busy pedestrian crossings and cars moving in and out of parking spaces contributing to congestion and safety concerns.

Chris Martin, AT Group Manager of Road Network Operations, says the proposed changes will improve the accessibility, reliability, and availability of travel choices to and from the Devonport peninsula.

“We’re proposing low-cost, high-impact changes that will help keep this section of Lake Road moving safely and efficiently for everyone," he says.

“They’ll include a morning clearway, clearer lane layouts and road markings, safer pedestrian crossings, and some bus stop and route changes.

“It will be easier and more convenient to travel to local shops, parks, beaches, and community centres.”

How will the new clearway and lane layout work?

We are proposing a short morning clearway on Lake Road between Bayswater Avenue and Egremont Street, operating between 7am and 9am during the weekday morning rush.

AT’s Chris Martin says this will provide more room for vehicles travelling towards Takapuna to merge safely after the intersection.

“It will help to reduce queues that can spill back through the lights and slow traffic further along Lake Road.

“We also need clearer lane layouts and road markings, and we’re proposing to improve lane layout and signal operations on Bayswater Avenue and Williamson Avenue to create clearer, more dedicated traffic lanes through the intersection.

“Currently, some lanes serve multiple turning lanes, which can create confusion and reduce how efficiently the traffic lights operate.

“The proposed changes aim to simplify things to reduce delays and help traffic move more smoothly through the intersection.

“We are also proposing to formalise and extend the lanes before they merge back together on Lake Road, to provide safer and more predictable merging after the intersection,” he says.

What about pedestrians, many tell us it’s dangerous to cross here currently

“We want to improve pedestrian safety by straightening and upgrading crossings and waiting areas around the intersection with Lake Road and the Belmont Shops,” Mr Martin says.

“Our proposal includes removing the zebra crossing and converting the left-turn slip lane at Williamson Avenue into a signalised, controlled movement at the intersection.

“With so many pedestrians and school kids travelling through the area, these changes will make crossings easier to understand and use, shorten crossing distances, and improve visibility between pedestrians and vehicles.”

We have to get public transport moving through the peninsula 

Between 1 January and 28 April 2026, around 31,000 bus passengers travelled on route 814 past the current Belmont Shops stop location.

AT is proposing to create a new stop on Lake Road for route 814, move the bus stop next to the Belmont Shops playground (bus stop 3488) and add a new bus stop layover on Williamson Avenue for route 805.

The 814 bus currently reaches its stop near Elizabeth Dairy, before re-entering Williamson Avenue by moving in front of waiting vehicles. It then passes the slip lane and pedestrian crossing before continuing onto Lake Road towards Devonport.

“This manoeuvre is difficult, requiring buses to push past the intersection in front of queued vehicles, at times, blocking straight through traffic during their green traffic light phase,” Mr Martin says.

“With the removal of the current bus stop, the 814 buses will instead use a new stop on Lake Road, near the existing location, which will include a shelter.”

Have your say on the future of Lake Road in the Belmont Shops area

AT invites you to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Belmont Shops intersection of Lake Road at athaveyoursay.govt.nz. Feedback is open until 21 June 2026. 

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Please use the attached graphic map of the proposed redesign for the Lake Road intersection with Williamson and Bayswater avenues at the Belmont Shops, and photos of the current configuration.