Date: 24 July 2026
A new pedestrian bridge at Glen Innes Train station opening today is another step forward in replacing rail level crossings across Auckland with safer, easier connections.
The modern bridge, fully accessible with stairs and large lifts, replaces two rail level crossings where there had been one fatality and 18 near misses since 2014.
It’s one of three pedestrian bridges built in less than a year to support more frequent trains with the arrival of City Rail Link while improving safety. Pedestrian bridges at Te Maahia and Takaanini stations will open in August and September.
Construction of the three bridges was accelerated after the Government and Auckland Council brought forward funding, with construction beginning at Labour Weekend 2025.
To be ready for City Rail Link, 16 rail level crossings have been closed or replaced during the past 10 years and all remaining pedestrian crossings now have automatic safety gates.
Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee Chair Councillor Andy Baker says replacing rail level crossings is a key part of enabling the rail network to grow with demand.
"These bridges support even more trains to run on the network once City Rail Link opens and in the future. They are an important milestone in the wider work underway to replace rail level crossings across the city, improving safety, congestion and reliability for Aucklanders."
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor, Josephine Bartley, says the new bridge is a significant improvement. “We know some people have felt hesitant using the station because of safety concerns, so it’s fantastic to see improvements that address this and give the community more confidence to catch the train.”
Auckland Transport Head of Level Crossings, Tom Willetts, says the bridge improves safety, accessibility and connectivity for all, while supporting a growing rail network.
“We’re pleased to open this bridge ahead of City Rail Link so the Glen Innes community can start benefiting sooner from the full benefits of our upgraded rapid transit network.
“Our teams worked hard to make the most of planned rail closures. We recognise the disruption the closures cause, but they allowed crews to safely undertake critical work and deliver more efficiently while trains weren’t operating, with some teams working around the clock.
“We know construction has had an impact on the community and commuters, and we’re grateful to the Glen Innes community for its patience, understanding and support throughout the project. This bridge is an important investment in the area's future, and we're proud to see it open for everyone to use.”
The bridge’s final design was shaped through engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders and the wider community. Weather protection (canopies) and anti-climb/throw screens aim to be installed during a planned rail closure later this year.
A number of improvements have also been made to the station underpass with a focus on enhancing safety. Improvements include upgraded lighting and CCTV, restored asphalt, better drainage and new fencing.
About the Auckland Rail Level Crossing Programme
Auckland Transport and Auckland Council, with support from KiwiRail, are working together to replace rail level crossings in Auckland during the next 10 to 30 years.
Replacing rail crossings with safer connections is key to unlocking the full City Rail Link (CRL) benefits of allowing even more trains to run in the future while keeping traffic moving. It will also support urban development and make it safer and easier to get around your local area.
As Auckland grows and rail demand increases, current crossings won’t work as they do today, with increased traffic delays and safety risks if we don’t replace them.
The Auckland Rail Crossings Programme is funded by Auckland Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Strong progress is being made on the Auckland-wide programme including:
- 16 rail level crossings have been closed or replaced, for example the three station bridges for CRL
- Detailed design and property acquisition to be ready to start construction of new Takaanini road bridges.
- Work on the investment case to decide how and when to replace or remove up to 21 level crossings across the Western Line.
-ENDS-
Notes to the editor:
- The section of the Park & Ride closed during construction will reopen tomorrow (Saturday 25 July).
- Bike parking remains available in its current location until upgrades are made to a new parking area.
- New mobility parking will not be available until November 2026 while upgrades are completed. In the meantime, mobility parking remains in its current location – please allow extra time to access the station.
- A new Pick-up/Drop-off area is underway and will be available before the end of the year.
- Crews used planned rail closures during public and school holidays, including over Christmas, to complete works that could not be carried out while trains were running.
- Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, construction crews worked a total of 5,000 hours, building 60 metres of undertrack crossing and, installing100 metres of rail boundary fences. They also poured 1,000 cubic metres of concrete and installed one of the bridge decks along with a significant amount of other work.