Auckland’s Eastern Busway project is progressing steadily, with major construction milestones reached over the Easter weekend that will pave the way for faster and more reliable bus services through East Auckland.
The project, led by Auckland Transport, is delivering New Zealand’s first fully separated busway built along the centre of a major urban road.
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A key development involved a major traffic switch on Tī Rākau Drive, clearing space for the next stage of the busway construction between Pakūranga and the Tī Rākau Bridge near Burswood.
New traffic lanes and a shared path between Gossamer Drive and Pakūranga Highway are now open, already benefiting drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders.
Auckland Transport Eastern Busway programme director Tom Willetts says the central alignment of the busway is a first for the country and will significantly enhance public transport options.
“This is the first time we’ll have a fully separated busway running along the middle of an urban road, with traffic lanes on either side,” Willetts says.
“When this extension opens in 2027, buses will be able to run more frequently and reliably between Pakūranga and Botany without getting stuck in traffic.
“A lot of work has gone into preparing for this stage so we can build the busway along the middle of Tī Rākau Drive without affecting the flow of traffic in this busy part of Auckland.”
The Eastern Busway is a vital link in Auckland’s emerging rapid transit network. Since the first stage opened between Pakūranga and Panmure train station in December 2021, it has already enabled millions of quicker bus trips.
“With this extension, we’re looking forward to bringing those benefits further into East Auckland,” Willetts says.
Once the Eastern Busway is fully operational in 2027, and with the City Rail Link set to open in 2026, East Auckland residents will enjoy improved connections across the city including the ability to travel from Pakūranga to West Auckland without getting stuck in road traffic.
Tī Rākau Drive now has two traffic lanes open in each direction again, and safer, more accessible facilities are available for people walking and cycling.
“This is an exciting next step for the Eastern Busway project and for the future of transport in Auckland,” Willetts says.
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