HOMER TUNNEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23326, 19 October 1937, Page 10

HOMER TUNNEL

WORK MAY BE RESTARTED NEXT MONTH NEW SYSTEM ADOPTED REMOVAL OF DIFFICULTIES (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. The Government has let a contract for the driving of a bottom heading tunnel through the Homer Saddle as a preliminary to the completion of the major undertaking, which was temporarily closed down after the disastrous avalanche of a few months ago. This announcement was made in an interview to-day by the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple), who said that the work would probably be recommenced next month. It is intended to take further precautions to protect the workmen from the dangers of avalanches by extending the concrete lining of the tunnel for some distance beyond the eastern portal. The bottom heading tunnel, which will be 12 feet by 9 feet in section, is to be undertaken by Downer and Co., of Wellington. The approach cutting to the tunnel site was commenced in July, 1935, and when the work was suspended last May seven chains of tunnel had been driven, including three chains of the concrete-lined section through loose rock and scree material. The length of the tunnel when completed will be 4000 feet, the greater part of which will be through hard and solid rock. The' tunnel provides for two-way traffic, with a roadway 18 feet wide and two raised footways of 2 feet 3 inches each.

The work has proved difficult owing to a number of causes, not the least of which has been the adverse climatic conditions which are experienced in that region. There has also been difficulty in securing the services of experienced tunnellers and skilled machine-drill operators. The contract which has now been let is for labour, and the Public Works Department will find the plant and power and practically the whole of the material. DRAINAGE BY GRAVITATION EXPEDITING THE PROJECT The effect of a single heading tunnel, it was explained to a reporter last evening, would be to remove many of the present drainage difficulties that were being experienced at the Homer. The present tunnel being on a grade, the water has to be pumped 'out, whereas with a heading tunnel right through, the water will drain away by gravitation. Moreover, such a tunnel will provide access from the Milford end and will be put through more quickly, enabling the work to be continued from both ends. The general effect of the new plan will be to expedite the work as a whole.