In July 2020 the Government announced a $25 million project to improve the safety and resilience of the Homer Tunnel on SH94 between Te Anau and Piopiotahi Milford Sound.
Waka Kotahi and the Government’s Crown Infrastructure Partners are implementing safety improvements at the Homer Tunnel, a critical link on SH94 between Te Anau and the Milford Sound.
These will make the operation and use of the tunnel safer for both road users and maintenance crews. It involves replacing the existing avalanche shelter and equipment room at the eastern tunnel entrance. Both are at the end of their useful life and need upgrading.
The before and after photos below show the proposed new Buried Equipment Room at the eastern entrance to the Homer Tunnel that would replace the existing concrete building located behind the 30km/hr speed sign. The new building housing electronic equipment needed to run the tunnel will be buried to protect it and workers from both rockfall and avalanche damage, reduce the buildings visual impact at this unique alpine location.
Visualisations showing the proposed new shelter to improve avalanche and rockfall protection at the eastern entrance to the Homer Tunnel. The shelter is designed to blend into the unique World Heritage Park surroundings.
For more information about this work email the project team at homertunnelsafety@nzta.govt.nz