Auckland Network Optimisation programme

With Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland growing fast, an additional 700,000 to 1 million people are expected to call the city home over the next 30 years, requiring over 270,000 jobs. An effective response is necessary to manage and offset traffic congestion on the road network today, and in the years that follow.

Auckland Network Optimisation aims to help increase the effectiveness of Auckland’s network, while supporting the reduction of transport-related carbon emissions, improving travel choice and road safety.

A major part of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s future growth in travel demand will need to be accommodated by existing transport corridors. To achieve this, the city needs to make better use of existing transport system to help shape a more vibrant and healthier future transport network where everyone can get where they need safely with minimal impact on our environment.

Network optimisation looks at making relatively inexpensive and quick changes to our roads and paths to improve safety and efficiency and encourage more active and sustainable ways of getting around.

The 10-year programme consists of around 215 individual projects and activities which together as a package will improve our network’s productivity, sustainability, agility and reliability. It is made up of both physical and technological projects which will provide more travel choices with a focus on higher occupancy modes, and more effective freight movement.

Small changes such as converting existing lanes to new bus or transit lanes keeps people and goods moving and supports reliable public transport which contributes to a more connected and healthier city. Closing the gaps between current cycle and walkways will better connect people and places to thriving communities whilst providing more travel choices. We are connecting a growing network of cycling and walking routes to contribute to safer and more sustainable transport options for everyone.

Some projects you won't see but will notice when using the transport network, such as trialling new technology for improvements to intersection operations, the introduction of additional bus priority at traffic signals and new systems for the network operators to optimise the network in real-time.

In 2020, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi boards signed off the Auckland Network Optimisation Programme Business Case and approved funding for a Single Stage Business Case (SSBC).

In early 2022, both boards approved the SSBC and funding for the first three years  of the programme. The SSBC recommended 215 projects to be delivered by 2031. This package includes both physical infrastructure and technology, innovation and behaviour change projects and activities. 

Over the next three years we will be investing $75 million on optimising the network, and a total of over $300 million is planned to be invested over 10-years. 

Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport have a crucial role in supporting Aotearoa New Zealand towards a low-emission and climate resilient future. The actions and decisions taken for the land transport system today, will help shape the future.   

Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi are designing and implementing the first tranche of optimisation projects. Projects are staged in line with funding and wider projects.

Key projects for delivery over the next three years include: