Date: 19 May 2026

Updated plans for four new bridges to replace level crossings in Takaanini aim to save money and minimise construction disruption.

The Takaanini bridges are the next phase of the Auckland Rail Level Crossing Programme, which helps unlock the full potential of City Rail Link by allowing more frequent trains while keeping traffic moving and improving safety.

The programme is making strong progress to replace level crossings with safer connections. A number of crossings have been closed and new pedestrian bridges at Takaanini, Te Mahia and Glen Innes stations to replace level crossings are due to be completed in mid-2026.

Auckland Transport is now asking for public feedback on new designs and construction of three new road bridges and a new walking and cycling bridge. When complete in the early 2030s they will enable further increases in train frequencies while keeping vehicles, bikes and pedestrians moving.

Proposed new plans focus on reducing cost and minimising construction impacts, while ensuring there are better connections and the new bridges better fit in the community

The proposals out for feedback include:

• New bridges built alongside Walters Road and Taka Street to minimise disruption
• Additional lanes on the new Manuia Road bridge and Great South Road to improve traffic flow
• Not building a proposed walking and cycling bridge on Spartan Road, an industrial area, to reduce costs.

Main construction of the new Manuia Road and Walters Road bridges will start in 2027, with further bridges built in stages to manage traffic and other construction impacts.

Councillor Daniel Newman and Councillor Matt Winiata support the proposed designs and encourage the community to take the opportunity to have their say

“We support the proposed designs presented by Auckland Transport, especially the approach taken for Spartan Road and Walters Road where AT have demonstrated how costs can be managed while making best use of available land to support Takaanini’s future growth.

“We encourage people to provide their feedback as soon as possible. This is a positive proposal, and we want residents and commuters to have their say before the consultation period ends”.

Papakura Local Board Chair Kelvin Hieatt says “This is an important project for Takaanini and we’re pleased with the updated designs.

“Level crossings are a common source of frustration for drivers waiting at barrier arms, especially in our community where congestion is already a challenge. We encourage the community to take part in the engagement and share their feedback to help shape the final design.”

Head of Level Crossings Programme Tom Willetts says: “Minimising disruption during construction is a high priority, particularly when it comes to impacts on businesses. We’re exploring innovative approaches to keep roads open and traffic moving where possible.

“Changing the alignment of the bridges at Walters Road and Taka Street means we can keep these roads partially open during construction. Manuia Road can be constructed “offline” which means the bulk of the build can be done with reduced disruption to the road network.”

Community and stakeholder feedback will help shape the final design. More information, details of community events and a survey to give feedback can be found on the AT website at https://at.govt.nz/projects-and-initiatives/takaanini-level-crossings-engagement

Key proposed changes:

Spartan Road: Close the level crossing and not build the proposed walking and cycling bridge, allowing funds to be reinvested into other higher priority parts of the project

Spartan Road is an industrial area with frequent use from heavy vehicles with low demand for walking and cycling. With no residential development planned, this is unlikely to change.

Manuia Road: New bridge with two vehicle lanes in each direction connecting Great South Road and Oakleigh Avenue. Additional lanes on Great South Road will help increase network capacity, and a new loop road will retain access to businesses and properties on Manuia Road. A new bridge at Manuia Road will provide a safer and more suitable connection for people walking and cycling, while also providing much-needed traffic flow in the area that separates heavy vehicles from schools and residential areas.

Walters Road and Taka Street: Alignment changes for the bridges to allow roads to remain partially open during construction, minimising disruption. The revised alignment at Walters Road also reduces the land required for transport infrastructure, freeing up space for future development.

Manuroa Road: A new walking and cycling bridge will replace the level crossing, providing a safer connection for people walking and cycling within the community. 

About the Level Crossings Programme

The 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 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 important focus is enhancing urban spaces and supporting development.

Strong progress is being made on the Auckland wide programme to remove level crossings, including building new pedestrian bridges at Takaanini and Te Mahia stations to allow their level crossings to be removed in time for City Rail Link opening. Planning is also underway to decide how to replace or remove 21 level crossings across the Western Line.

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.

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