Full Breakdown
Six Inner-West Auckland Rail Crossings Set for Replacement Ahead of City Rail Link Expansion
9/1/2026, 12:24:30 AM
Core Event
Auckland Transport (AT) has launched a consultation on a programme to remove or rebuild six rail level crossings on the Western Line between Kingsland and Mt Albert. The crossings—Woodward Road, Baldwin Ave, Rossgrove Tce, Asquith Ave, Morningside Dr and George St—are slated for design work now, with construction to follow as train frequencies rise after the City Rail Link opens on September 13 (scheduled).
Background & Context
The City Rail Link will increase services from 12 to 24 trains per hour between 2031 and 2041, creating a need to separate rail from road traffic. One of the targeted sites, Morningside, records the highest safety incident rate in the corridor, with 53 crashes or near-misses over the past decade. Former Auckland mayor Len Brown has called the earlier exclusion of crossing removal from the original project “one of his biggest regrets.”
Data & Statistics
- Estimated rebuild cost: NZ$25 billion–NZ$35 billion.
- Safety record: 53 incidents at the Morningside crossing in ten years.
- Planned train frequency increase: from 12 to 24 trains per hour (both directions) by 2041.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that early engagement and continual communication are essential, noting lessons learned from the City Rail Link and the Eastern Busway. Willetts emphasized that decisions will weigh whether an area is “business-oriented or residential,” shaping choices between short, sharp works or night-time construction to minimise disruption. Compensation for affected businesses will be negotiated with partners such as Auckland Council.
What’s Next
AT will develop an investment case for the western crossing replacements over the next two years, identifying preferred approaches and prioritisation for future funding decisions. After the inner-west phase, attention will shift to crossings on the line to Henderson and Swanson, though those are many years away.
