DRIVING HOMER TUNNEL

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 6

DRIVING HOMER TUNNEL

“STEEPEST GRADE IN THE WORLD”

INCREASED RATE OF PROGRESS (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 31. The prediction that the bottom heading of the Homer Tunnel, which starts from Hollyford Valley, would be completed by next Christmas, before the road from Milford was completed and that work on the road would be finished and the tunhel enlarged and ready for use within another year was made by the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple). It was explained by Mr Semple, who visited the tunnel last week, that progress was now exceptionally fast and it was intended 'to continue operations through the winter months, safeguards having been provided against avalanches which have already been responsible for loss .of life. ' . , “The Homer tunnel is one of the most difficult with which I have ever been associated,” said Mr . Semple. The grade is one in IQ, which is the steepest, I believe, in the world. We are not able to drive it from the lower end as there is not yet proper access, but when we get the bottom heading through by next Christmas it wul not take long to break down the walls and widen and improve the tunnel. We will not then ‘iave ventilation troubles or difficulty with water which we now have to pump back. “When I took over control of operations progress in the tunnel was' 28ft a week,” continued Mr Semple. “There was a reorganization and a contract was let to Mr A. Downer, who is also the contractor for excavation at the Whenuapai aerodrome. Progress is now at the rate of 50ft a week. It had previously been found necessary, to suspend operations during the winter months because of avalanches, but we have now put up a protection to enable one shift to work through the wintei with safety. We will then abandon night operations. If we did not work through the winter months it would be necessary to withdraw the pumps and other plant and it would take two months before drilling operations could be restarted.”