Auckland Council fast-tracks overbridge project to improve rail safety and mobility

Auckland Council has taken major steps to improve safety in Glen Innes and plans to build an overbridge at the train station.

The overbridge will replace the existing raised level crossing, which many residents feel is unsafe to use. Instead, the new structure will provide a safer way to travel over the train racks, especially since locals often avoid the current underpass.

Recently, the Auckland Council approved a $550 million investment to accelerate the removal of level crossings in Glen Innes and Takanini.

Mayor Wayne Brown says the project is important for the community. “One of my key policies is to get Auckland moving, and this is one initiative that will deliver on this.”

He says that with the support of the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) for funding, it makes sense to speed up the work on these crossings.

With the upcoming City Rail Link expected to start with 20 trains running every hour, removing the level crossings and constructing new bridges will enable more efficient train services, helping reduce traffic congestion.

Mayor Brown believes this collaboration with the government is a clear step towards solving Auckland’s transport challenges.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, who represents the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward, says replacing the overbridge is “vital” and long overdue. Originally scheduled for 2037, construction might begin as early as 2026.

Bartley says people currently face difficulty crossing the tracks, adding that safety concerns around the existing underpass deter residents from using it.

“It's actually a blessing to have the City Rail Link come through Glen Innes so often and so fast because it's meant that we can get this footbridge, overbridge happening faster.”

Bartley is hopeful that local residents will welcome these changes.

“I think the locals will be happy because it means much more safer, easier access to catch the train. Because, you know, some people are put off public transport because of safety, which is understandable. So, yeah, I hope to see more of our people using the trains with this in place.”

The local board will play a vital role in deciding the design of the overbridge, ensuring it meets the community’s needs.

The Glen Innes underpass is often avoided by locals who feel unsafe using it, prompting plans for a safer overbridge. Photo/Twitter PeterMcGlashan

Bartley expresses her desire to complete the project without further delay, emphasising the importance of getting this bridge built to improve safety for everyone.

Jan Robinson, deputy chair of the Papakura Local Board, says community input will be crucial in this project, which will also benefit residents by reducing local traffic congestion.

In February, the Auckland Transport Board approved funding for improvements in both Takanini and Glen Innes, and the Minister of Transport has announced up to $200 million in government support for the project.

The council expects further approval from the NZ Transport Agency soon.

Auckland’s growing rail network is driving a $550 million push to replace level crossings with safer bridges in Glen Innes and Takanini. Photo/Auckland Council

Jane Small, Auckland Transport’s Group Manager for Rail Infrastructure, says these safety improvements are a top priority, especially as the frequency of trains is expected to increase when the City Rail Link opens.

With funding confirmed from the Auckland Council and NZTA, community engagement will soon begin for new bridges and planning for more road bridges in Takanini.

Overall, these developments are set to enhance safety and convenience for residents while improving Auckland’s transportation network.

There’s an ongoing project to eliminate level crossings on railways. The next phase focuses on improving Takanini and Glen Innes and involves building eight new bridges.

A $550 million upgrade will replace Glen Innes’ level crossing with a safer overbridge ahead of the City Rail Link launch. Photo/RNZ/Jessie Chiang

This includes three bridges for vehicles, two pedestrian bridges to ensure people can still walk across, and three bridges for station access.

As part of the project, four road crossings will be closed, so there will be no more level crossings on the inner Southern (Papakura north) and Eastern train lines.

The next steps will include design work, planning for property needs, and preparations for construction.

You can find more details in the Governing Body’s online document here.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.