Improving the Belmont Shops intersection
About the project
Reducing congestion and improving safety by making better use of existing road space is a key priority for Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.
This project focuses on improving traffic flow through the Belmont Shops intersection on Lake Road, which is a constrained part of the road in and out of Devonport and Bayswater, connecting people to Takapuna, Esmonde Road, motorway, schools, shops, ferry services and the wider North Shore.
The Belmont Shops intersection is a known congestion and safety pinch point, with delays most noticeable during busy morning and afternoon periods.
Working alongside the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, we have developed this package of low-cost, targeted improvements to address these issues using the existing road space.
This work forms part of AT’s Network Optimisation Programme, which is focused on delivering quicker, lower‑cost improvements that make better use of current infrastructure, with less disruption than large‑scale road upgrades.
Why changes are needed
Your city is growing fast, with more people choosing to live on the North Shore and in Devonport than ever before. Lake Road is already heaving, and with more homes being built and more people moving into the area, pressure on this road will continue to increase.
Because the peninsula has limited routes in and out, congestion at busy intersections like the Belmont Shops can quickly impact the wider road network.
At the Belmont Shops intersection, issues such as short merge lanes, confusing layouts, busy pedestrian crossings and vehicles moving in and out of parking spaces contribute to congestion and safety concerns.
What we’re proposing
We are proposing a series of targeted improvements to help reduce congestion, improve safety and make the intersection easier to move through during busy times. These include a morning clearway, clearer lane layouts and road markings, safer pedestrian crossings, and some bus stop and route changes. Read the proposal details here.
Working with the local community
We have been working closely with the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board throughout the development of this proposal.
The local board has provided local insights on congestion, parking, school traffic and safety issues around the Belmont Shops area, helping shape the package of improvements being proposed for public engagement.
We know Lake Road has a long history of discussion and future planning. This project is intended to deliver practical improvements that can help now, while longer-term corridor planning continues, see here Lake Road improvements.
Managing local street impacts
We understand some people may be concerned about potential impacts on parking, bus and safety concerns as well as the ongoing congestion in the area.
By improving how the Belmont Shops intersection operates, the project is also intended to reduce the need for people to use local streets to avoid congestion at the intersection.
While some parking changes are needed to improve safety and traffic flow, we are also converting the existing bus stop area into parking to help offset some of the impacts.
As part of public engagement, we are asking the community whether additional parking changes or time limits should be considered on nearby streets to help support local access and business activity.
Have your say
We want to hear from people who live, work, travel through or visit the Belmont Shops area.
When can you have your say
Public Engagement is from 25 May- 21 June 2026.
How can you have your say
Complete the online survey about this project
Email us your questions and feedback at ATEngagement@at.govt.nz
What happens next
We will consider all community feedback and present a recommendation and feedback report to the local board.
The local board will provide feedback prior to a final decision being made.
Your feedback will help us refine the proposal and understand local impacts before the plan is finalised.
