Roading changes around the corner for Waitohi Picton
Improvements to Waitohi Picton’s roading network are taking shape with KiwiRail and NZTA projects set to begin in 2027.
KiwiRail will begin work on the Dublin Street overbridge early next year, which is designed to remove rail operations from the road network, creating a safe separation between people, vehicles and trains. It will span the Auckland and Market streets’ intersection on Dublin Street.
The road will be closed at the level crossing from early 2027 through to completion; it’s estimated the bridge will take between 18 and 24 months to complete.
KiwiRail Project Manager Stu Ridley said he is mindful of the effect the work and temporary road closure will have on the community.
“We will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating traffic management with other roading projects and adjusting plans as needed.”
The Dublin Street overbridge is funded by NZTA and Ferry Holdings Ltd, the government entity established in 2025 to deliver the new ferries.
In coordination with KiwiRail, NZTA is continuing to progress plans to upgrade key intersections, change the designation of Kent Street to become State Highway 1 and return Wairau Road/Nelson Square to a local road.
NZTA Regional Manager System Design Richard Osborne said work was continuing with affected residents, businesses and project partners to finalise the intersection improvement designs, and these will be shared once confirmed.
“While we originally planned to begin project construction this winter, we’re reassessing our timeline to coordinate with the wider Picton project works. To minimise disruption to the local community and road users we’ve chosen to carry out our main works in 2027,” Mr Osborne said.
Work at the Dublin/Auckland streets’ intersection will now be completed by KiwiRail as part of the overbridge project.
This change will mean traffic on Auckland Street will give way to road users travelling along Dublin Street - the opposite to the current intersection layout.
