Waihoehoe Road Upgrade Begins, Boosting South Auckland Growth

Transport Minister Chris Bishop described the start of construction as a “major milestone” in delivering integrated infrastructure to support the fast-developing Drury growth corridor.

Main construction has officially begun on the Waihoehoe Road Upgrade, marking a critical step in reshaping South Auckland’s transport network as rapid population growth drives demand for better connectivity.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop described the start of construction as a “major milestone” in delivering integrated infrastructure to support the fast-developing Drury growth corridor.

Key Link in Auckland’s Fastest-Growing Corridor

South Auckland is projected to absorb more than 120,000 additional residents over the next 30 years, making it the fastest-growing area in the region. The Waihoehoe Road Upgrade is a central component of a broader strategy to future-proof transport infrastructure in anticipation of this surge.

“This project will ensure roads and rail are being delivered together as a connected transport network,” Bishop said.

The upgrade complements several major infrastructure investments already underway, including:

• State Highway 1 (SH1) Papakura to Drury improvements

• Construction of Drury, Ngākōroa, and Paerātā train stations

• Planned State Highway 22 (SH22) Drury upgrade

Together, these projects form a coordinated push to unlock housing, reduce congestion, and improve access to employment hubs.

Building an Integrated Transport Network

The Waihoehoe Road corridor is being developed as part of a future east–west arterial route, stretching approximately 4.5 kilometres between Drury Hills Road and Jesmond Road.

This strategic route will:

• Enhance east–west connectivity across the Drury region

• Support future rapid public transport services

• Improve access to key rail infrastructure, including new train stations

• Strengthen links between residential developments and employment zones

The integration of road and rail infrastructure is a defining feature of the project, aligning with the Government’s emphasis on multimodal transport planning.

Immediate Upgrades to Improve Safety and Capacity

The initial phase of construction focuses on upgrading a 400-metre section of Waihoehoe Road between Great South Road and Kath Henry Lane.

Key improvements include:

• Road widening to increase capacity

• Enhanced safety features for motorists and pedestrians

• Improved resilience to support growing traffic volumes

These upgrades are expected to ease current bottlenecks while preparing the corridor for long-term expansion.

Supporting Housing and Economic Development

The project is closely tied to ongoing and planned housing developments in the Drury area, one of Auckland’s key urban expansion zones.

Improved access to the new Drury train station will play a crucial role in:

• Enabling higher-density housing developments

• Reducing reliance on private vehicles

• Supporting transit-oriented communities

By aligning transport infrastructure with housing growth, the Government aims to accelerate urban development while maintaining accessibility and livability.

Long-Term Vision for Drury

The Waihoehoe Road Upgrade is part of a wider vision to transform Drury into a major urban centre within Auckland’s southern corridor.

Officials say the project lays the groundwork for:

• Scalable transport infrastructure capable of handling future demand

• Improved freight and logistics efficiency

• Greater connectivity between emerging communities

As construction gets underway, the project signals a shift toward integrated, growth-led infrastructure planning, positioning South Auckland as a key engine of regional development in the decades ahead.