Auckland Transport is proposing a series of upgrades to Great South Road in Takanini aimed at improving traffic flow and easing congestion on one of the region’s busiest arterial routes.
The plans include additional traffic lanes and roading improvements, with more than 19,000 heavy vehicles using the corridor each week alongside growing commuter traffic from Papakura, Drury and Pōkeno.
Papakura Local Board chairperson Kelvin Hieatt says the changes are needed to support both freight and local communities.
“Great South Road is an important route for commercial vehicles that service our many industrial and retail hubs, and surrounding communities. We’ve got to make more space for them as well as families, their vehicles, and our bus services,” Hieatt says.
Auckland Transport group manager of road network operations Chris Martin says the upgrades are required ahead of the City Rail Link opening, which will increase train frequency and place additional pressure on surrounding roads.
“If we do nothing in the meantime, the roads around the rail crossings will get congested more often, creating more disruption and delays on Great South Road,” Martin says.
The project will be delivered in two stages.
Stage one, to be completed before the City Rail Link opens, includes removing on-street parking and cycle lane markings to create two continuous traffic lanes in each direction along key sections of the corridor.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillors Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata support the proposal, saying increased capacity is needed to move more people and freight efficiently.
Stage two, planned after the rail link opens, will introduce new off-road walking and cycling paths, upgraded intersections and additional pedestrian crossings.
Martin says the changes will improve safety and reliability across the corridor.
“We’ll have a much smoother traffic flow along Great South Road and there will be much more room to move,” he says.
Further upgrades include intersection improvements, new bus stop locations and a signalised crossing near Maru Road, aimed at improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
Auckland Transport is seeking public feedback on the proposal, with submissions open until May 16.
