Chintapally Suresh Auckland is set to see major safety and accessibility upgrades at three key train stations, with new pedestrian overbridges planned for Glen Innes, Takanini, and Te Mahia stations. Construction on these modern bridges is scheduled to begin in October and will continue through the summer rail shutdown in December.
Why the New Bridges?
These projects are part of a citywide push to eliminate dangerous level crossings and improve safety for train passengers and the wider community. Over the past decade, there have been dozens of near misses between pedestrians and trains at these locations. The new overbridges will replace existing ground-level crossings, meaning passengers will use stairs or elevators to access platforms, removing the risk of crossing tracks at grade.
Auckland Transport officials say the upgrades are crucial as the City Rail Link prepares to open, which will see train frequencies increase significantly, especially at Glen Innes, where trains are expected every five minutes at peak times. Takanini and Te Mahia have also been prioritised due to their position on the city’s busiest rail corridor, with high volumes of both freight and passenger trains.
Project Details and Timeline
- Construction Start: October 2025
- Summer Rail Shutdown: Major works will continue during the December network closure to minimise disruption.
- Funding: The Government has committed up to $200 million for removing level crossings, with Auckland Council also contributing to fast-track these projects.
The bridge designs are intended to provide safe, accessible station access while delivering value for money. One entrance at Glen Innes station will close under the plan, meaning some passengers may have a longer walk, but overall safety and network reliability will improve.
Community Consultation
Auckland Transport has launched a public consultation on the proposed bridge designs. Feedback from passengers and local communities is being sought to help finalise the plans and ensure the bridges are well integrated with surrounding neighbourhoods. The consultation period runs until the end of May.
The Bigger Picture
These three bridges are the first step in a broader programme to remove all 42 remaining level crossings in Auckland over the next 30 years. The goal is to address safety risks and allow for more frequent and reliable train services. Following these initial projects, the focus will shift to road crossings in Takanini and then to the Western and Southern lines in the coming decade.
What’s Next?
- Final bridge designs will be confirmed after the consultation period.
- Construction will begin in October, with major works during the summer rail shutdown.
- The wider level crossing removal programme will continue, with more bridges and safety upgrades planned across Auckland’s rail network.
These new bridges mark a significant investment in the safety and future growth of Auckland’s public transport system, aiming to make daily commutes safer and more reliable for everyone.
