Dublin Street Overbridge works begin soon

Major work on an overbridge at the Auckland Street end of Dublin Street will start in early 2027, with the KiwiRail-led project expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

It is part of Government’s Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme, which will deliver two new rail-enabled ferries by 2029.

The Dublin Street overbridge will improve safety and strengthen connections between Waitohi Picton’s main centre and Port side of town, KiwiRail Project Manager Stu Ridley says.

“The bridge is key to keeping traffic flowing for the Waitohi Picton community, visitors and transport operators.

“Waiting for trains to pass at the Dublin Street level crossing is already a source of frustration for many.  With the arrival of the larger rail enabled ferries freight capacity will increase, including more frequent shunting activity within the rail yard.  This will result in more rail movements across Dublin Street.

“The overbridge is designed to remove rail operations from the road network.  It takes away the need for people to wait for trains and significantly reduces risk at an already busy level crossing by creating clear separation between people, vehicles and trains.

“The design for the bridge is largely unchanged from the earlier version, with two lanes for cars and a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists that arches up over the railway lines to create a safe, direct link through to Lagoon Road.”

KiwiRail will build on the work done in 2023, which included relocating underground services at the Dublin and Auckland Street intersection and reconfiguring driveway access for residents.

Initial work is scheduled to begin at the end of the year, with the road closing at the Auckland / Dublin Street intersection from early 2027 when main works get underway.

Detours for traffic during construction are yet to be confirmed.

“We’re mindful of the effect the work and temporary road closure will have on the community, and will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating traffic management with other roading projects underway, monitoring traffic flow, and adjusting plans as needed,” Mr Ridley says.

The Dublin Street overbridge is funded by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), and Ferry Holdings Ltd (the entity established in 2025 to deliver the new ferries).