Waihoehoe Road Upgrade Begins to Boost Auckland’s Transport Network by 2028

Main construction is getting underway on the Waihoehoe Road Upgrade, helping to build the future of Auckland’s transport system Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

This marks a major milestone in delivering improved transport connections and supporting long‑term growth in the Drury area, says Mr Bishop.

Alongside other investments already underway in South Auckland, including the SH1 Papakura to Drury improvements, the new Drury, Ngākōroa, and Paerātā train stations, and the planned SH22 Drury upgrade, the Waihoehoe Road project will ensure roads and rail are being delivered together as a connected transport network.

South Auckland is the region’s fastest growing area with more than 120,000 additional people expected to make it their home over the next 30 years. Investing in an integrated transport network supports the Government’s priorities of unlocking growth and improving access to new housing and jobs.

Waihoehoe Road will ultimately form part of a major east–west arterial route, running approximately 4.5 kilometres between Drury Hills Road and Jesmond Road. The corridor will support local communities and future rapid public transport services, helping connect people to the nearby Drury and Ngākōroa train stations.

The project will widen and upgrade a 400‑metre section of Waihoehoe Road between Great South Road and Kath Henry Lane, improving safety, capacity and resilience.

Access to the new Drury train station and nearby housing developments currently underway will also be improved, while laying the foundations for future growth in the area.

Notes to Editor: Key project features include: Additional traffic lanes, increasing from two to four lanes, and up to six lanes on the new Waihoehoe Road bridge New signalised intersections at Waihoehoe Road/Great South Road and Waihoehoe Road/Kath Henry Lane A new, higher bridge over the North Island Main Trunk Line, with space to allow for KiwiRail to construct 3rd and 4th mains in the future.

Capacity for future bus lanes New walking and cycling connections between Great South Road and the new Drury Train Station Enabling works were completed in early 2025, and piling commenced in November 2025 to prepare the site for main construction work.

The project is expected to be completed in mid‑2028, at an expected cost of $136 to $148 million.