Church Street East level crossing

Project details

Overview

When City Rail Link (CRL) opens in 2026, trains will be running more often. There’s the potential for even more frequent trains in the future.

In preparation for more frequent trains, we are proposing to close the Church Street East level crossing later in 2025. This level crossing is one of the only remaining level crossings on the Southern Line between Waitematā (Britomart) Station and Spartan Road in Takanini.

We are removing the Church Street East level crossing in Penrose to ready the rail network for the CRL. This project is essential because Auckland’s rail network is a critical component of the city’s rapid transit and freight network.

Auckland Transport (AT) has already removed level crossings to prepare for CRL. 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.

What we’re doing

Before closing the level crossing, we are working with affected landowners on an alternative access route for their buildings.

We are also making it safer for people to walk or cycle in the area by enhancing the shared path along the South Eastern Highway. This includes:

• adding pedestrian crossings
• installing safety barriers between the shared path and road from the Great South Road intersection to Hugo Johnston Drive.

We are also enhancing the parking area outside 419 Church Street East.

We understand that closing the crossing is an unwelcome change for some. We are working with affected landowners and businesses to minimise impact.

We will keep you updated on this project over the next few months.

Previous engagement

In 2021, we started with a Single Stage Business Case (SSBC). This was 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 engagement was not about the removal itself because of the safety regulations we must comply with.

We are still working with the businesses who are most impacted to refine the preferred option.

If you want to know more, email us at levelcrossings@at.govt.nz.