A key piece of Auckland’s Eastern Busway project is set to open five months ahead of schedule, promising to ease congestion around one of the city’s busiest intersections.
Auckland Transport says the new flyover — named Rā Hihi and also known as the Reeves Road flyover — will open to citybound traffic on October 1 and in both directions from Monday, October 27.
Before that, major road works are scheduled along Pakūranga Road, including a reduction in lanes from Saturday, September 20 to Friday, October 24. The most disruptive works will take place during the school holidays, from September 20 to 27.
“Drivers should expect congestion and delays and we suggest planning ahead to avoid travelling at peak times if possible,” Auckland Transport group manager Jane Small says. “We will be working round the clock to get the job done.”
The flyover forms a critical part of the wider Eastern Busway programme, which is extending rapid transit links from Pakūranga to Botany. It will directly connect Pakūranga Road to Pakūranga Highway, helping reduce local traffic and improve peak-hour travel times.
Small says it will provide significant relief at one of New Zealand’s most congested intersections.
“Rā Hihi is a critical part of the Eastern Busway project that’s connecting East Auckland with rapid public transport to the rest of the city,” she says. “It is the latest major transport improvement we’ve opened as part of the project, following the Panmure Station, Panmure to Pakūranga busway and new Panmure intersection to replace the roundabout.”
Small credits the early delivery to effective planning and construction by Auckland Transport and its alliance partners.
Auckland Transport says the Eastern Busway is central to its plans to integrate rapid public transport as Auckland grows, connecting new developments with sustainable and accessible travel options.
Once completed in 2027, the full Eastern Busway will allow people to travel between Botany and Britomart by bus and train, while improving connections between local suburbs and Auckland’s rail network. It will also enhance opportunities for walking and cycling.
Construction of the Pakūranga to Botany section is expected to be finished by the end of 2026, with services launching in 2027 following final testing and commissioning.
“Rapid Transit is central to the success of great public transport around the world,” Auckland Transport says. “It moves large numbers of people using rail, bus and ferry on specially built corridors, separated from other traffic to provide more reliable routes.”
