Smoother mornings for Coast locals - New T2 + Heavy Vehicle Lane Proposed for Hibiscus Coast Highway
About the project
A faster, smarter way to get where you’re going
We know mornings on Hibiscus Coast Highway can be a bit of a grind. That’s why we’re making your morning commute easier with a proposed new T2 and Heavy Vehicle lane on Hibiscus Coast Highway—heading westbound towards SH1 at Silverdale.
What does that mean for you?
If you’re on the bus, driving with a passenger, or in a truck between 6:30am-10am Monday - Friday —you’ll get moving faster during the busy morning rush.
We’re also making small tweaks at the Painton Road intersection to smooth out traffic flow and help buses get into the Hibiscus Coast Station more easily.
This project is part of a wider plan to get more people moving, more efficiently—without needing to build new roads. And with Penlink opening in 2028, this is an immediate way to ease some of the pressure.
Why we need to hear from you!
Before finalising any changes, we want to know what you think about our proposed plans. Does this proposal help improve your daily commute? Is there anything we’ve missed? Your insights are vital in shaping a project that works for everyone.
This proposal is part of the Auckland Network Optimisation Programme, between Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi and aimed at improving travel choices, road safety, and the overall effectiveness of the transport network.
You can view or download designs drawings to the right of this page
Key Objectives
• Faster Commutes
Improve peak-hour travel times for buses, carpoolers, and freight.
• More Reliable Public Transport
Provide dedicated space for buses to help ensure on-time service.
• Better Station Access
Enhance the alignment at the Painton Road intersection to facilitate smoother access to Hibiscus Coast Station.
• Reduce Congestion
Encourage carpooling and public transport to lower the number of single-occupant vehicles.
• Plan for Growth
Provide an alternative commute option ahead of Penlink’s opening in 2028.
Traffic along Hibiscus Coast Highway heading westbound to the MotorwayWhat’s being proposed?
We’re looking at adding a T2 and Heavy Vehicle lane heading westbound on Hibiscus Coast Highway, between the Coast and SH1 at Silverdale. This lane is designed for buses, vehicles with two or more people, and freight—aiming to make your morning travel faster and more reliable.
You can view or download designs drawings to the right of this page
The key proposed changes in this project include:
Installing T2 + Heavy Vehicles Lane:
A lane for vehicles with 2 or more people (T2) and heavy vehicles (HV) starting around 37 Hibiscus Coast Highway through to Alberto Lane just before the Hibiscus Coast Station, approx. 1.5 km long.
This lane will be westbound only (towards the motorway), ending before the Auckland-Waiwera Motorway (SH1).
The proposed operating hours are during morning peak hours from 6.30 am to 10.00 am, Monday – Friday
Cutting back the kerb on HCH westbound between Alberto Lane and Painton Road to widen the road and add an extra lane.
Painton Road Intersection Changes:
Currently, the eastbound lanes on Hibiscus Coast Highway (HCH) are aligned as follows: left, straight, straight, and right.
The proposed alignment will be: left and straight, straight, right, right bus only.
Adjusting the kerb eastbound on HCH to better match the lane on the other side of the intersection alongside the Silverdale tennis club.
Improving drainage along the highway related to kerb changes and better stormwater management.
Upgrading the pram crossing at the traffic light intersections and installing directional tactile pavers (raised yellow bumps on the ground to guide visually impaired people).
Moving one traffic signal and two streetlights.
Why these changes are needed
Rapid Growth: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is expected to grow by 700,000 to 1 million people over the next 30 years, requiring over 270,000 jobs. To manage and offset traffic congestion now and in the future, an effective response is necessary.
Network Optimisation: The Auckland Network Optimisation programme, a joint effort between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport, aims to improve travel choices and road safety, making the transport network more effective.
Future Growth: As Auckland's travel demand grows, existing transport corridors must be adapted and better utilised to create a more efficient, resilient, and productive transport network.
Quick and Cost-Effective Changes: The Network Optimisation Programme will implement relatively inexpensive and quick changes to roads and paths to improve efficiency, safety, and agility.
Economic and Resilient Future: NZTA and AT play a crucial role in supporting New Zealand's economic growth and a resilient future. Today's actions and decisions for the land transport system will shape the future
People catching the bus at Hibiscus Coast Station
Benefits to your community
Why it’s good news for you:
• Smoother trips in the morning: Less sitting in traffic if you’re carpooling, on the bus, or driving a heavy truck.
• More reliable buses: Dedicated space means fewer delays, better connections to NX1/NX2, and smoother transfers from local buses.
• Less congestion overall: Encouraging more people to bus or carpool = fewer single drivers on the road.
• Better for freight: Helping goods (and essentials!) get where they need to go faster.
• Supporting growth: We’re getting ready for more people, more travel, and a better-connected North.
Kōrero mai tō whakaaro
Tell us what you think about our proposed plans by 1 June 2025
Let us know if this will help improve your commute or if there’s anything we’ve missed?
We value your input and invite you to:
1. Complete our survey by clicking the link below
2. Come along to our Community Info sessions – Chat with the team, view maps, and ask questions.
10 May, 14 May & 21 May times tbc
Venue:
3. Email us as below
How to contact us
We welcome you to share your thoughts with us by 1 June 2025, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz
