Project introduction

Auckland is growing fast, and the south is the region’s fastest growing area with more than an additional 120,000 people expected to make it their home during the next 30 years.

  • Project type

    Public transport, Safety improvements, Traffic management, Walking and cycling

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), KiwiRail and Auckland Transport in partnership with Mana Whenua are delivering transport improvements in South Auckland to provide growing communities with more travel options that help people get where they want to go safely with more reliable journeys.

We’re planning early to ensure the infrastructure is in place to connect people to new railway stations and housing developments to support long-term growth in the region.

South Auckland projects

Project background

These projects are part of a long-term plan to provide growing communities across the country with better travel choices that help people get where they’re going safely.

  • Benefits
    • Provide a resilient transport system that helps people and goods move efficiently and safely.
    • Support housing growth by ensuring growing communities are well linked to transport networks, including commuter rail.
    • Improve resilience and reliability of the transport system.
    • Address existing safety issues.
    • Add a new third main rail line to remove a bottleneck in the Auckland rail network to support freight growth and allow more South Auckland commuter services.
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  • Scope
    • Three new rail stations between Papakura and Pukekohe.
    • Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification.
    • Third main rail line (Wiri to Quay Park).
    • SH1 Papakura to Drury improvements.
    • Mill Road northern section improvements.
    • Waihoehoe Road upgrade between the intersections of Waihoehoe Road/Great South Road and Waihoehoe Road/Kath Henry Lane (approx. 400m).
    • SH22 Drury upgrade between the intersections of SH22/Mercer Street and SH22/Jesmond Road (approx. 2km).
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South Auckland project map

  • SH1 Papakura to Drury

    Construction is well underway on the SH1 Papakura to Drury project. This project will improve access along and across the motorway with an additional lane in each direction, wide shoulders for future bus services, a shared walking and bike path, interchange improvements at both Papakura and Drury, and improved safety, environmental and amenity features. At Drury, the improvements will also enable the rail electrification project by lifting the interchange to provide sufficient clearance underneath for electrification.

    SH1 Papakura to Drury

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  • KiwiRail projects in South Auckland

    A significant investment in rail is being undertaken in South Auckland, with electrification between Papakura and Pukekohe, the Wiri to Quay Park third main rail line, and three new stations between Papakura and Pukekohe.

    Construction is progressing on the third main rail line and on Papakura to Pukekohe electrification. These two projects are due to be completed in 2024. The three new rail stations between Papakura and Pukekohe will be constructed by KiwiRail, with completion expected from 2025.

    Adding a new third main rail line will remove a bottleneck in the Auckland rail network to allow more South Auckland commuter services and to support freight growth.

    KiwiRail – Third main rail line(external link)

    KiwiRail – Bringing electric trains to Pukekohe(external link)

    KiwiRail – Southern stations(external link)

    We are working with KiwiRail to coordinate and deliver the construction of Paerātā Railway Station and SH22 Paerātā Roundabout as part of the Drury Rail Stations project while minimising disruption to the road network.

    Construction of the roundabout is due to begin mid-2024 and is expected to take a year to build.

    The new single lane roundabout on SH22 will ensure safe traffic flow in and out of Paerātā Station, SH22, and new housing developments.

    SH22 Paerātā roundabout works map(external link)

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