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Project introduction

The Tar Barrel tunnel bypass project is a rail realignment, led by Kiwirail, to the east of the existing rail tunnel south of Ward. State Highway 1 will be reinstated over the new tunnel on the existing alignment.

  • Estimated project dates

    Jul 2019–Mar 2021
  • Project type

    Infrastructure upgrade

Background

The existing tunnel was damaged following the Seddon and Kaikōura earthquakes, and poses a risk to the road and rail network, as it is near a fault line and remains vulnerable to future seismic activity. Realigning the rail line away from the tunnel and building a road over pass for State Highway 1 (SH1) provides the most cost-effective solution. While the over pass is constructed, a short temporary diversion of SH1 will be in place.

Timeframe

Start date: 11 July 2019
Expected duration: 21 Months
Expected completion: March 2021
Temporary road open: 12 December 2019

Construction phase

Illustrated map showing the current alignment of State Highway 1 over the railway line.

Before works began

Illustrated map showing the bypass of State Highway 1 during construction.

During construction

Illustrated map showing the alignment of State Highway 1 over the railway line after construction.

After completion

For more information on the Tar Barrel tunnel bypass project, please visit the Kiwirail project page:

www.kiwirail.co.nz/tar-barrel-tunnel-bypass(external link)