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.
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.
Start date: 11 July 2019
Expected duration: 21 Months
Expected completion: March 2021
Temporary road open: 12 December 2019
Before works began
During construction
After completion
For more information on the Tar Barrel tunnel bypass project, please visit the Kiwirail project page: