Date: 01 September 2026
Proposed options to replace western rail level crossings will allow even more frequent trains in the future and are key to unlocking the full benefits of City Rail Link.
Auckland Transport is asking for feedback on proposed options to replace rail level crossings between Kingsland to Mount Albert as part of a wider programme to separate rail lines from vehicles and pedestrians.
Auckland Transport Head of Level Crossings Tom Willetts says in just a few weeks City Rail Link will be open and people will be using the more frequent trains that come with it.
“We’re doing the planning work now to be ready for growing passenger numbers, which are expected to require more frequent trains in the mid-2030s from Mt Albert towards the city centre via Morningside and Kingsland.
“If these crossings are not replaced, they will become a constraint on rail services or result in more frequent barrier arm closures, longer delays and increased safety risks for everyone crossing the tracks.
“Replacing rail level crossings with safer connections will allow more frequent train services in the future while keeping people and traffic moving safely,” Mr Willetts says.
Feedback on the proposed options for the six crossings between Kingsland and Mt Albert will be used to help inform the investment case to identify the preferred approach to replace western rail crossings and prioritise when they are built. This means a plan will be ready when funding becomes available.
“There are no easy options. These crossings are often located in densely populated areas and there are a number of challenging trade-offs and impacts on local communities to consider. So, it’s really important we get feedback at every step of the project from people living, working and doing business near the railway,” Mr Willetts says.
The options include potential road bridges or underpasses, pedestrian bridges or underpasses and closure with improvements to alternative connections.
Proposed options for the inner west rail crossings can be found here and feedback can be given either online or in person at one of the local community events.
To see a calendar of community events throughout September, and to provide online feedback on the Western Level Crossing Programme, please visit the AT website. Feedback closes on 28 September.
Investigations to replace crossings in the mid and outer west, from Avondale to Swanson, continue with options for public feedback expected to be shared in early 2027.
About the Rail Level Crossings Programme
The Rail Level Crossings Programme is funded by Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency, with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council delivering it with support from KiwiRail.
The Rail Level Crossings Programme allows us to keep increasing train frequencies in the years after City Rail Link opens while keeping traffic moving and safe. People living near rail lines will find it safer and easier to get around their communities, whether they are walking, biking, driving, or catching the train.
16 rail level crossings have been closed or replaced during the past decade, including three new pedestrian bridges built in the past year at Glen Innes, Te Mahia and Takaanini stations. All remaining pedestrian crossings have been upgraded with automatic safety gates.
The next step is replacing remaining road level crossings in Takaanini with new road or pedestrian bridges, with construction due to begin in the second half of 2027.
The investment case for western rail crossing replacements will be developed during the next two years. It will identify the preferred approach and how to prioritise when they’re built to be ready for funding decisions.
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