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Planning underway to replace more rail level crossings Planning underway to replace more rail level crossings

Date: 07 April 2026

Replacing remaining rail level crossings on Auckland’s Western Line with safer connections to unlock the full benefits of City Rail Link is the focus of work on the next stage of the Level Crossings Programme that's now underway.

Auckland Transport begins public engagement today (7 April) for the investment case that will identify solutions for 21 level crossings across the Western Line and get ready to start construction of the first new bridges or underpasses from the early 2030s.

The Level Crossings Programme is jointly funded by Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency to maximise the City Rail Link’s ability to transform travel across the city.

Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown has been a strong advocate for the replacement of rail level crossings to improve safety and get Auckland moving.

“Rail level crossings are not easy fixes and to be frank, it’s a problem that was added to my fix-it list when I became Mayor,” says Mayor Brown.

“This work will take time to deliver, but we need to get started as soon as we can.

“The City Rail Link is opening later this year, allowing for more trains on the network. Getting rid of the level crossings and building new road and pedestrian bridges makes sense.  It will cut congestion, make it safer for people to walk and drive, and allow us to add more train services as demand grows.

“It’s a good deal for Aucklanders and an example of how we partner with government to get work done and improve safety.”

Auckland Transport Head of Level Crossings Tom Willetts says: “Opening City Rail Link later this year will mean big cuts in journey times for the West, more frequent trains and easier new journeys across Auckland. Replacing level crossings with safer connections will allow even more frequent trains while keeping traffic moving and keeping local communities safe around rail tracks.

“Level crossings, where a road or footpath crosses the train tracks, are a common source of frustration for drivers waiting at barrier arms and people walking to catch a train only to see it leave from the other side of the tracks while gates are closed.

“We’ve made strong progress on the Auckland wide programme to remove level crossings, including building new pedestrian bridges at three stations to allow their level crossings to be removed in time for City Rail Link opening. In Takaanini, construction enabling works will start later this year for new road bridges.

“The next step is deciding how to replace rail level crossings on the Western Line to be ready for future growth in train passengers and significant housing growth expected along the rapid transit corridor.

“Grade separating all level crossings would be unaffordable and have significant community impacts, so a mix of separated strategic road crossings and pedestrian/cycle crossings is likely.”

“There are a number of challenging trade-offs and impacts on local areas to consider, so it’s really important we get feedback at every step of the projects from people living, working and doing business near the railway,” Mr Willetts says.

More information and a survey to give feedback can be found on the AT website at Western Line level crossings. There will be 11 drop-in events, including at Avondale Market, Bunnings New Lynn, Kings Plant Barn St Lukes, libraries, community centres and cafes.

The Western Line level crossings investment case will identify when and how each level crossing will be replaced or removed. They will be delivered in stages, in line with funding availability and the level of passenger growth in the years after City Rail Link opens.

The main options available to replace level crossings range in costs and impacts on local areas. They are:

  • Walking and cycling bridge or underpass
  • Road bridge or underpass
  • Road bridge or underpass in a different location to the current level crossing
  • Closure and replaced with safer connections on an alternative route
  • A rail trench or rail bridge.

To see a calendar of community events throughout April and May, and to provide online feedback on the Western Line Level Crossing Programme, please visit the AT website here Western Line level crossings.

 

About the Level Crossings Programme

The Level Crossings Programme is funded by Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency, with Auckland Transport delivering it with support from KiwiRail and Auckland Council.

The 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’re walking, biking, driving or catching the train. Another strong focus is enhancing urban spaces and supporting development.

Communities will also experience improved urban outcomes. If we don’t replace level crossings people may take more risks as barrier arms are down more often and there will be increased congestion, impacting economic productivity.