The Māngere West Cycling Improvements project is part of the Southwest Gateway Programme (SWGP) led by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL). The SWGP is a long-term programme of works to create a transport system that provides choices for people travelling to and from the airport employment zone and the surrounding area.

Under the SWGP, the MWCI project is the final of three Short-Term Airport Access Improvements (STAAI) projects which aims to make cycling a more safe and attractive option, so trips to work, schools and town centres are easier and safer by bike.