Church Street East level crossing
Learn more about why we closed the Church Street East rail level crossing.
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Project details
Start date
January 2023End date
August 2026Location
PenroseTransport involved
Walking and drivingOverview
The Church Street East level crossing was formally closed in August 2026.
Why we closed the Church Street East level crossing
The Church Street East level crossing was closed in preparation for more frequent trains following the opening of City Rail Link (CRL).
Before it closed, this level crossing was one of the only remaining level crossings on the South City line between Waitematā Station and Spartan Road in Takanini.
We are continuing to deliver a long-term programme of level crossing removals or safe replacements across Auckland. If they’re not removed:
- there will be increased safety risks
- barrier arms will be down longer
- travel times will get longer.
Latest updates
Before we closed the crossing, we:
- worked with affected property owners on a safe, alternative access route for their buildings
- made it safer for people who walk or cycle in the area
- enhanced the parking area outside 419 Church Street East.
Improvements we made
Church Street East
We:
- upgraded 2 marked pedestrian crossings on the turning lanes from Church Street East onto Great South Road
- installed signage and path markings.
Great South Road (between Church Street East and the South Eastern Highway)
We:
- shifted bus stop 7631 at 940 Great South Road back further from the road
- improved the path directly in front of bus stop 7631
- upgraded safety on driveway approaches.
South Eastern Highway (between Great South Road and Hugo Johnston Drive)
We installed:
- one new pedestrian crossing on South Eastern Highway slip lane for traffic turning left onto Hugo Johnston Drive
- new safety fencing on either side of the footpath next to the South Eastern Highway.
Project benefits
Safer journeys for everyone
Supports more frequent trains
Reduced travel delays
Project background
In 2021, we started with a business case to determine the need for removing the level crossing and explore the possible options for maintaining safe and easy access for everyone.
We found that removing the level crossing with mitigation is the better option.
We have also been working with affected landowners since 2022 to better understand the impacts and lessen these impacts as much as possible.
This work is ongoing.