This project was to assess options for improving the tunnels safety and then identify a preferred safety option. This investigation has been superseded by another project.
This project was replaced in July 2020 when the Government announced a $25 million project to improve the safety and resilience of the Homer Tunnel.
This two-stage project will see a range of work through until 2023/24 that started with safety upgrades inside the tunnel in 2021/22. This is expected to be followed by the construction on the eastern side of the tunnel of a new plant and equipment room in the summer season of 2022/23, then a new avalanche shelter during the 2023/24 summer season.
The purpose of this project was to improve tunnel safety for road users and help ease tunnel traffic delays on SH94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
The benefits were:
The Homer Tunnel is located within Fiordland National Park on SH94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound on the only road into Milford Sound - one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations. Improving the safety of this tunnel is a priority for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, on a route that is so important to the prosperity of our tourism industry. At the height of summer tourism season over a 100 tour buses a day travel through the Homer Tunnel.
The Tunnel was constructed between 1934 and 1953 and is 1.27km in long and has a 10% gradient and varies in width from 6.5 to 7.5m. It is located at a high altitude and in a remote location where extreme climatic conditions are experienced.
