Rosebank Road at Breaking Point – Why More Development Needs Rethinking

 

The Artery That Keeps a Business Hub Alive

Rosebank Road is the lifeline of the Rosebank Peninsula – a crucial industrial and commercial zone that supports over 800 businesses and thousands of jobs. But this vital artery is already stretched to its limits. Any further pressure, such as a major housing development at the nearby Avondale Racecourse, risks tipping the system into full-scale gridlock.

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Peak-Hour Chaos and Freight Friction

Transport congestion on Rosebank Road is a daily reality. Auckland Transport has acknowledged significant peak-time delays, with buses running up to three minutes late and freight vehicles often causing bottlenecks. Trucks, staff cars, and couriers all compete for space on a road that was never designed to carry this volume of movement.

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110% Capacity – And Climbing

Anecdotal reports from a decade ago noted the road running at 110% capacity – and nothing suggests that figure has improved. The Rosebank Business Association has consistently raised concerns about the pressure on this corridor. Many local employers say the congestion now affects recruitment, staff wellbeing, and day-to-day operations.

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Avondale Racecourse: A Development With Consequences

Plans to transform the nearby Avondale Racecourse into a high-density housing development are gaining traction. While more housing is undeniably needed in Auckland, such development must come with robust planning. Funelling thousands of additional residents into the already overburdened Rosebank–Patiki corridor would be a critical misstep.

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One Road In, One Road Out

The problem isn’t just volume – it’s design. Rosebank Road is essentially a single entry-and-exit route with limited options for widening or rerouting. Public transport is patchy, cycleways are minimal, and pedestrian access is unsafe in many parts. Meanwhile, the corridor already moves up to 20,000 people per hour, according to AT – and it’s struggling to cope.

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Don’t Let Growth Outpace Infrastructure

More homes shouldn't mean more headaches for businesses, commuters, or the local economy. Before any large-scale housing is approved, significant investment in smarter transport, alternative freight access, and active travel infrastructure must be prioritised.

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Let’s Not Break What Keeps Us Moving

Rosebank Road is already at breaking point. Unless infrastructure keeps pace with development, we risk breaking the very systems that keep Auckland working. It’s time for bold, joined-up planning – before the next phase of growth becomes a full-blown bottleneck.

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