The Albany Highway upgrade (Sunset Road to SH18)

Auckland Transport is investigating a future upgrade to Albany Highway between Sunset Road and the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18). Albany Highway is an important arterial route located on the North Shore, one that is also part of Auckland’s bus and cycle networks.  

Latest update

Auckland Transport is currently engaging with landowners and other people in the community with an interest in the project. 

The key project outcome sought by Auckland Transport is to upgrade the corridor in a manner which is compatible with its regional functions, while balancing the need for access by the local Unsworth Heights and Schnapper Rock community. Auckland Transport welcomes the community’s feedback on the proposed upgrade works.

The upgrade seeks to provide a safe and efficient route for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Improvements also need to be of a standard consistent with the current upgrade to Glenfield Road (south of Albany Highway) and planned upgrade works on the adjoining section of Albany Highway to the north (between SH18 and SH17).

The project is still in the investigation phase.  

• As part of this process Auckland Transport will continue to engage with landowners and the wider community.
• There will be an opportunity for public participation during the Notice of Requirement (NOR) process.
• Timing will be coordinated with the planned upgrade to the northern section of Albany Highway, to minimise disruption.

The investigation has looked at how to provide improved:

• safety and amenity for all users, including local school students;
• bus transport facilities in the area;
• travel time reliability, by reducing road congestion;
• mobility for cyclists and pedestrians; and
• stormwater infrastructure. 

Auckland Transport has completed an options evaluation which sought to identify the preferred road layout option and preferred intersection options for the Albany Highway upgrade between Sunset Road and SH18.

Features of the plan include:

• Road widening
• Redevelopment of the Albany Highway / Upper Harbour Drive intersection
• Redevelopment of the Albany Highway / Unsworth Drive intersection
• Bus transport improvements
• Pedestrian and cycling improvements

Read more about the features of the proposed Albany Highway South upgrade

Timeline

In broad terms, the next steps are: 

• Auckland Transport  intends to lodge a Notice of Requirement (NOR) on Auckland Council to amend the current road designation for Albany Highway to enable the proposed upgrade to occur.
• Further consultation with key stakeholders
• Finalising and reporting on this investigation phase
• Preliminary design
• Consultation with key stakeholders and general public following preliminary design completion
• Detailed design