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Background
In late 2023, we changed the road layout on Newton Road for vehicles travelling towards Karangahape Road. This was to allow WX1 buses to turn right onto Karangahape Road from a dedicated bus lane. These changes have improved bus travel times and reliability, especially during the morning peak.
At the Newton Road / Great North Road / Ponsonby Road / Karangahape Road intersection, the current layout on Newton Road has four lanes:
A shared left‑turn lane to Great North Road and a through lane to Ponsonby Road, closest to the footpath
A through lane to Ponsonby Road
A bus lane that turns right onto Karangahape Road
A right‑turn lane onto Karangahape Road.
The issue
While the bus lane has improved bus services, it has reduced space for other vehicles travelling straight through the intersection. There is now only one through lane before the intersection. This often causes queues to build up, sometimes stretching past the SH16 off-ramp and on-ramp. As a result, it becomes harder for vehicles to exit SH16 and get onto Newton Road.
We have also seen unsafe driver behaviour. Some drivers struggle to move safely into the left-turn and through lanes and merge at the last minute to avoid queues. This happens on both weekdays and weekends and increases safety risks.
What we are doing
To address these issues while keeping the benefits for public transport, we are planning on making changes to the road layout.
These changes include:
Reducing the length of the existing bus lane on Newton Road by 26 metres to create more space for traffic to queue, including vehicles coming off SH16 and onto Newton Road.
These changes will make better use of road space and reduce long queues in the left-hand lane.
We plan to make these road marking improvements in May/June 2026 subject to funding availability.
How to contact us
If you'd like to speak with someone about this project, please email us at ATEngagement@at.govt.nz by 16 April 2026. Please mention "Road layout changes on Newton Road" in the subject line.
Background
In late 2023, we changed the road layout on Newton Road for vehicles travelling towards Karangahape Road. This was to allow WX1 buses to turn right onto Karangahape Road from a dedicated bus lane. These changes have improved bus travel times and reliability, especially during the morning peak.
At the Newton Road / Great North Road / Ponsonby Road / Karangahape Road intersection, the current layout on Newton Road has four lanes:
A shared left‑turn lane to Great North Road and a through lane to Ponsonby Road, closest to the footpath
A through lane to Ponsonby Road
A bus lane that turns right onto Karangahape Road
A right‑turn lane onto Karangahape Road.
The issue
While the bus lane has improved bus services, it has reduced space for other vehicles travelling straight through the intersection. There is now only one through lane before the intersection. This often causes queues to build up, sometimes stretching past the SH16 off-ramp and on-ramp. As a result, it becomes harder for vehicles to exit SH16 and get onto Newton Road.
We have also seen unsafe driver behaviour. Some drivers struggle to move safely into the left-turn and through lanes and merge at the last minute to avoid queues. This happens on both weekdays and weekends and increases safety risks.
What we are doing
To address these issues while keeping the benefits for public transport, we are planning on making changes to the road layout.
These changes include:
Reducing the length of the existing bus lane on Newton Road by 26 metres to create more space for traffic to queue, including vehicles coming off SH16 and onto Newton Road.
These changes will make better use of road space and reduce long queues in the left-hand lane.
We plan to make these road marking improvements in May/June 2026 subject to funding availability.
How to contact us
If you'd like to speak with someone about this project, please email us at ATEngagement@at.govt.nz by 16 April 2026. Please mention "Road layout changes on Newton Road" in the subject line.
The Auckland Network Optimisation (ANO) programme is a joint initiative between AT and NZTA focused on improving the efficiency of Auckland’s existing transport network. The programme aims to reduce congestion, make better use of road space, and support the safe and effective movement of people and goods across the city.
