Central Connector

Quicker bus travel

Quicker bus travel and improved cycle and pedestrian facilities are a step closer with work on the Central Connector due to be completed later this year. The new busway will provide quicker, more efficient travel between the CBD and Newmarket via key locations such as Auckland Hospital and The University of Auckland.

The route will start at the Britomart Transport Centre and run along Customs Street and Beach Road, up Anzac Avenue and Symonds Street, across Grafton Bridge and along Park Road, linking up with existing bus lanes on Khyber Pass Road.

As part of the project there is a range of work being carried out to make bus travel easier and more efficient, including:

dedicated bus lanes ensuring buses are not held up in traffic
new bus stops at key locations
improved traffic signals
improved street lighting
new and improved bus shelters.

Improvements for pedestrians include 10 additional pedestrian crossings, new paving and specially designed glass canopies and bus shelters, creating a safer and more attractive pedestrian environment.

There are also some major improvements being made for cyclists along the route.

Where possible, bus lanes have been designed to allow buses and cyclists to pass each other safely. Mountable kerbs are being created where bus lanes narrow so cyclists can safely move onto the shared footpath. Traffic lights will have advance cycle boxes, which allow cyclists a head start on other traffic. Bike stands will be provided along the route where space allows.

The Central Connector forms a crucial part of Auckland's expanding transport network, linking into the Northern Busway at Britomart and connecting future bus improvement projects on Great South, Manukau and Remuera roads. It will also complement the rail network by providing a travel option to Britomart and Newmarket stations. Work to strengthen and future-proof Grafton Bridge is also nearing completion. The bridge will be able to accommodate heavier low-emission buses and other forms of passenger transport such as light rail in the future.

Bus lane times

Grafton Bridge officially reopened to traffic on Monday 5 October 2009. The bridge will operate as a bus lane between 7am-7pm weekdays. That means no trucks, vans or cars. Emergency vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists will continue to have access at all times.

The purpose of the bridge operating as a bus lane is to facilitate faster bus travel between the CBD, Grafton and Newmarket.

The below map highlights the route Central Connector will take.

Map highlighting the Central Connector route.

Updated October 2009