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Feedback for this proposal is now closed.
We’re now moving into construction on the Less waiting, more moving on Mount Smart Road project, with works beginning from 20th May 2026. Works notifications update is available here.
Mount Smart Road is a busy main road connecting Onehunga, Penrose and Royal Oak. Around 18,000 vehicles use this corridor every day, including buses, freight, people travelling to work, and those moving through the local area. As Auckland grows and more people live and travel through this part of the city, congestion during peak times continues to increase, especially approaching the Royal Oak roundabout.
This project is part of Auckland Transport’s wider Auckland Network Optimisation programme, focused on making better use of existing road space to help more people move safely and efficiently across the network.
What we’re delivering
We are introducing a new T3 transit lane on Mount Smart Road between Victoria Street and the Royal Oak roundabout. The lane will operate weekdays from 4–7pm and will be available for:
Vehicles carrying three or more people
Buses
Motorcycles
People on bikes
Outside operating hours, most of the lane space will continue to be available for parking.
We are also:
- Installing broken yellow lines at four bus stops to improve bus safety and reliability
- Updating bus stop line markings
- Narrowing or removing sections of the flush median to make space for the new lane
- Completing minor stormwater and safety improvements
Construction is expected to take place from 20th May to June 2026, weather permitting.
Why we’re doing this
Mount Smart Road is a key arterial route and an important connection into the Royal Oak roundabout, one of the area’s busiest congestion points.
During the afternoons, travel times can more than double, with traffic speeds dropping significantly. These delays also impact bus reliability across the wider public transport network.
The new T3 lane will help: - Improve travel time reliability during the afternoon peak - Move more people through the corridor using existing road space - Reduce congestion approaching the Royal Oak roundabout - Improve bus reliability and journey times - Improve safety at bus stops
The project is expected to support around 24 buses during the busy period and save approximately 2–3 minutes per bus trip in the afternoons. Overall, the changes are estimated to save around 5,700 hours annually for bus passengers and T3 users.
Community feedback
We received 143 submissions during public engagement. Feedback included support for improving congestion and bus reliability, alongside concerns about parking, driveway access, and turning movements. Read the feedback summary report here.
Following feedback, we: Confirmed the T3 lane will operate only during weekday peak times (4–7pm) Reviewed the design to minimise parking loss where possible Continued working directly with affected residents and businesses
Decision and next steps
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board did not support the proposal.
Following further review, Auckland Council confirmed the project should proceed due to its wider network benefits and alignment with our strategic direction to improve congestion and public transport reliability using low-cost, high-impact improvements.
Construction updates
Construction is expected to begin from 20th May 2026 and will be delivered in stages to help minimise disruption where possible.
During works, people travelling through the area may notice:
Temporary lane reductions Some temporary bus stop relocations Reduced on-street parking in work areas Day and night works at different stages of construction
We’re now moving into construction on the Less waiting, more moving on Mount Smart Road project, with works beginning from 20th May 2026. Works notifications update is available here.
Mount Smart Road is a busy main road connecting Onehunga, Penrose and Royal Oak. Around 18,000 vehicles use this corridor every day, including buses, freight, people travelling to work, and those moving through the local area. As Auckland grows and more people live and travel through this part of the city, congestion during peak times continues to increase, especially approaching the Royal Oak roundabout.
This project is part of Auckland Transport’s wider Auckland Network Optimisation programme, focused on making better use of existing road space to help more people move safely and efficiently across the network.
What we’re delivering
We are introducing a new T3 transit lane on Mount Smart Road between Victoria Street and the Royal Oak roundabout. The lane will operate weekdays from 4–7pm and will be available for:
Vehicles carrying three or more people
Buses
Motorcycles
People on bikes
Outside operating hours, most of the lane space will continue to be available for parking.
We are also:
- Installing broken yellow lines at four bus stops to improve bus safety and reliability
- Updating bus stop line markings
- Narrowing or removing sections of the flush median to make space for the new lane
- Completing minor stormwater and safety improvements
Construction is expected to take place from 20th May to June 2026, weather permitting.
Why we’re doing this
Mount Smart Road is a key arterial route and an important connection into the Royal Oak roundabout, one of the area’s busiest congestion points.
During the afternoons, travel times can more than double, with traffic speeds dropping significantly. These delays also impact bus reliability across the wider public transport network.
The new T3 lane will help: - Improve travel time reliability during the afternoon peak - Move more people through the corridor using existing road space - Reduce congestion approaching the Royal Oak roundabout - Improve bus reliability and journey times - Improve safety at bus stops
The project is expected to support around 24 buses during the busy period and save approximately 2–3 minutes per bus trip in the afternoons. Overall, the changes are estimated to save around 5,700 hours annually for bus passengers and T3 users.
Community feedback
We received 143 submissions during public engagement. Feedback included support for improving congestion and bus reliability, alongside concerns about parking, driveway access, and turning movements. Read the feedback summary report here.
Following feedback, we: Confirmed the T3 lane will operate only during weekday peak times (4–7pm) Reviewed the design to minimise parking loss where possible Continued working directly with affected residents and businesses
Decision and next steps
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board did not support the proposal.
Following further review, Auckland Council confirmed the project should proceed due to its wider network benefits and alignment with our strategic direction to improve congestion and public transport reliability using low-cost, high-impact improvements.
Construction updates
Construction is expected to begin from 20th May 2026 and will be delivered in stages to help minimise disruption where possible.
During works, people travelling through the area may notice:
Temporary lane reductions Some temporary bus stop relocations Reduced on-street parking in work areas Day and night works at different stages of construction
