Ngā pātai auau - Frequently asked questions
What stage is the project currently at?
The SH22 Drury upgrade project is nearing the end of the pre-implementation phase, which includes site investigations, detailed design development and obtaining the necessary resource consents etc. Engagement is also underway with affected property owners regarding the project’s expected land requirements.
Construction (or implementation) is expected to get underway in late 2025 but will be staged for practical reasons. It will begin with an interim upgrade and signalisation of the SH22/Jesmond Road intersection, which is necessary to provide a safe connection point for a new access road into the planned Ngākōroa train station.
Construction of the remainder of the project is expected to begin in early 2027 (TBC) after the additional land required for the project has been purchased and full construction funding has been confirmed.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Mana Whenua are working in partnership to deliver this project in an integrated way.
Why is the Burberry Road intersection with SH22 proposed to be closed?
The SH22 Drury upgrade project will widen SH22 between Jesmond Road and Mercer Road near Drury Interchange to four lanes – two in each direction separated by a traffic island along the central median. This removes a current safety issue but also means that right-turn movements to and from Burberry Road and SH22 will no longer be possible.
Remaining options would be retaining left in/left out access only or closing the intersection completely and providing alternative access. If left in/left out access remained, motorists exiting Burberry Road but wanting to turn right would need to move across two lanes on SH22 within a very short distance to reach the right turn bay into Great South Road. This would mean multiple lane changes in a short distance and poses significant safety concerns.
The recommended outcome is therefore the closure of the Burberry Road intersection with SH22 as part of the project, with alternative vehicle access for Burberry Road properties to be provided through existing or new roads within the Auranga development at the time of closure. Walking and cycling access between Burberry Road and the proposed path along the north side of SH22 will remain. NZTA engaged with Burberry Road landowners and residents about these coming changes in October/November 2024.
It is noted that the closure of the intersection and the provision of alternative access may be triggered in advance of the project by private development/s on Burberry Road.
Why are you looking to change the speed limit?
The growth and development happening around the wider Drury area means that the role and function of SH22 is changing and evolving. As urban development extends, SH22/Karaka Road will become increasingly more like Great South Road in Takanini and Papakura and less like a rural arterial road.
When upgrades are made to roads with a posted speed limit higher than 50 km/h, including when new traffic lights are installed, consideration must be given as to the safe and appropriate speed limit for the stretch of road involved.
Motorists on SH22 approaching the Jesmond Road intersection from the west are travelling on a downhill grade following a bend in the road – both of which limit forward visibility of the intersection. With new traffic lights planned for this intersection, eastbound SH22 motorists will also encounter stationary vehicles on the road when the traffic lights are red.
In these circumstances, a speed limit reduction from 80 km/h down to 60 km/h on SH22 west of the Jesmond Road intersection is considered appropriate and necessary for safety reasons. If approved, this would extend the current 60 km/h zone on SH22 (that begins at the Hingaia Stream bridge and ends between the Burberry Road and McPherson Road intersections) further west out beyond the Jesmond Road intersection.
Formal consultation on this proposed speed limit reduction, in accordance with the requirements of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, will be held before the end of 2025.
What will happen to the directly affected properties?
Property owners have been informed of the designation and that this project has been brought forward to support the development of additional housing and new rail stations. Discussions with property owners are confidential and property owners’ rights will continue to be protected by the Public Works Act.
Can I carry out an activity or works within the NZTA designation?
Where land is designated, the network utility operator responsible for the designation (known as a Requiring Authority), is authorised to undertake existing and future activities which are consistent with the designation purpose. Any other party who wishes to undertake an activity (such as undertaking any use of the land, building a structure, subdividing or changing the use of the land) in the designation requires written consent from the Requiring Authority if the activity would prevent or hinder the designated work.
See Approvals under Sections 176/178 for works in NZTA designations for more information and how to apply for written consent:
Approvals under Sections 176/178 for works in NZTA designations(external link)
