Glenview Road rail crossing congestion under spotlight

Wait?kere Ranges Local Board is asking Auckland Transport for long-term solutions to ease congestion at Glenview Road railway crossing, a major traffic bottleneck in Glen Eden.
The board has suggested several options and requested a detailed report in 2026 on the CRL's impact on local traffic, aiming to ensure Glen Eden fully benefits from improved public transport without worsening road congestion.

If you've sat in traffic at Glenview Road railway crossing during rush hours, you're not alone. Wait?kere Ranges Local Board is calling for action on this long-standing traffic bottleneck, which continues to frustrate drivers in and around Glen Eden. At its June business meeting, the board provided feedback to Auckland Transport (AT), urging stronger, longer-term solutions for the congestion caused by the level crossing barrier arms--particularly during peak train times.

AT is planning to open the City Rail Link with trains about every 8 minutes in the peak direction on the Western Line. This is achieved with 8 trains in the peak direction and 4 in the other direction where there is lower passenger demand to help manage the crossing delays. However, Wait?kere Ranges Local Board chair Greg Presland says this frequency is less than the board hoped and could undermine the potential benefits of the City Rail Link.

"I understand AT is actively managing the issue by reducing train frequencies.

But if there's a surge in use of the Western Line, and I'm confident there will be more passengers, the extra capacity may not be sufficient,"

"We risk not realising the full benefits of the CRL.

Once people discover they can get to the city centre from Glen Eden in half an hour without the hassle of parking, many will choose to leave their cars at home," Presland says.

The board explored a range of possible solutions to address the Glenview Road congestion--though none are without challenges. The options proposed to AT considered include:

Trenching the rail line, similar to the New Lynn upgrade, though costly and potentially unfeasible due to nearby apartment buildings.

Elevating the rail line, which would require a large structure and a significant rail gradient.

Tunnelling the road under the rail line, considered difficult due to the area's geography and high cost.

Constructing a road bridge over the rail line, which appears unlikely due to topographical constraints.

Closing Glenview Road, which could severely disrupt local traffic, impact Glen Eden Primary School families, and hinder emergency services.

Tunnelling under the tracks to create a new road link between West Coast Road and Waikumete Road--an option requiring property acquisitions.

Using the New Lynn undergrounding model as a long-term solution, with careful consideration of land use and financial implications.

The board has requested that AT provide a report in early 2026 outlining the projected impact of the CRL becoming operational--specifically in terms of vehicle traffic volumes, congestion, wait times, and travel times in West Auckland, with a focus on Glen Eden and its surrounding areas.

"While there may be no silver bullet, we are committed to finding sustainable ways to ease congestion in Glen Eden, and ensure the community benefits fully from the CRL investment," says Presland.

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References

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