Auckland Transport (AT) has begun planning for the removal or replacement of all 21 level crossings along the Western Line, a mammoth project set to unfold over the next 15 years or more. The initiative, supported by KiwiRail, is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of the City Rail Link (CRL), which is expected to open this year and significantly increase train frequency across the city.
The removal of these crossings, where roads and pedestrian paths intersect with the railway tracks, is essential for improving safety and allowing more trains to run. With the CRL enabling a more connected and frequent rail network, journey times from west Auckland are predicted to fall dramatically. However, these benefits can only be fully realised by eliminating the conflicts between trains, cars, and pedestrians.
The project will address every crossing from Mt Eden to Swanson. In the inner west, this includes busy intersections like Morningside Drive and several crossings around Mount Albert. The outer west scope covers crossings from Avondale to Swanson, including five pedestrian-only crossings at stations like Baldwin Ave and Rānui.
The ambitious programme is scheduled to begin in April 2026 and may not be completed until 2040 or later. It will be delivered in stages, prioritised by demand and network pressure. The Takaanini section of the Southern Line is slated as the first priority due to its high volume of freight and passenger trains. The inner Western Line from Maungawhau to Mt Albert will follow from the 2030s, with the outer section from Mt Albert to Swanson scheduled for the late 2030s.
Public feedback sought on future of crossings
Auckland Transport has launched a public consultation period, running from 7 April to 31 May, to gather community feedback on how the level crossings are currently used. The agency is hosting a series of drop-in sessions across west Auckland for residents to share their views and learn more about the project.
The sessions will be held at various community hubs, including Avondale Sunday Market at the Avondale Racecourse on 19 April, Glen Eden Library on 22 April, and Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson on 9 May. Further sessions are planned for Morningside, Mount Albert, New Lynn, Rānui, and Swanson throughout April and May. An online survey is also available for those unable to attend in person.
This feedback, combined with technical assessments such as traffic counts and ground investigations, will inform the best solution for each location. AT has emphasised that it will consider a range of factors including value for money, community impact, access, and engineering feasibility before making any final decisions.
A range of solutions on the table
Several options are being considered for replacing the crossings. These range from constructing bridges or underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists, to full road overpasses or underpasses that separate vehicle traffic from the rail line entirely. The Glen Innes Station pedestrian bridge is cited as an example of a potential walking and cycling solution.
In some cases, a new bridge or underpass might be built in a different location, or a crossing could be closed permanently with traffic rerouted. More complex and costly solutions, such as placing the rail line in a trench or on an elevated structure similar to the one in New Lynn, are also being explored. However, AT notes that the steep gradients required for rail make these options challenging and expensive. The project is jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council. While the technical work gets underway, the governance structure overseeing transport in Auckland is undergoing its own transformation, which could reshape how such long-term projects are managed. Similar issues have surfaced in regional rail lines, where free travel sparks commuter chaos.
Major governance shake-up for Auckland Transport
The level crossing removal programme comes as the government implements a major overhaul of Auckland Transport itself. In a move described by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown as a “major victory,” most of AT’s policy and planning powers will be transferred back to the democratically elected Auckland Council.
Under legislation introduced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, AT will be refocused primarily on delivering public transport services. The council, including the mayor and 20 councillors, will become directly responsible for major roads, city centre management, and transport strategy. Local boards will gain control over local roads, parking, and cycleways. A transition to the new structure is expected to be completed by September next year.
For too long, Auckland Transport has failed to listen to Aucklanders and take their views into account.
The changes aim to restore democratic accountability over transport decisions that affect the daily lives of Aucklanders. A new Auckland Regional Transport Committee, comprising councillors and government appointees, will be tasked with developing a 30-year transport plan for the region. This long-term strategy will almost certainly guide the final decisions and staging of the Western Line level crossing removals, bringing them under the direct oversight of elected representatives.
This push for greater public control over transport planning marks a significant shift from Auckland's 20th-century development. The notorious 1955 Master Transportation Plan prioritised motorways and led to the dismantling of the city’s extensive tram network, a move largely driven by engineers and officials rather than public demand. The current investment in projects like the CRL and the removal of level crossings signals a sustained move back towards a multi-modal transport system for a city whose skyline continues to transform. Residents in other parts of the country, such as Lower Hutt, are also seeing renewed focus on community-based initiatives.
As Auckland prepares for a future with more frequent trains, the upcoming consultation offers residents a direct say in how their neighbourhoods will adapt. The decisions made will not only affect daily commutes but will also shape the urban landscape of west Auckland for decades to come.
