The $600,000 project aims to repair damaged plaster and re-point the existing brick ceiling of the 118-year-old tunnel to help reduce water leaks that make conditions unpleasant especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
The footpath through the tunnel will also be upgraded. It will be levelled and the drain covered to improve safety.
Wellington City Council’s Transport Strategy Portfolio Leader, Cr Chris Calvi-Freeman, says there’s been a longstanding problem with groundwater penetrating the tunnel’s brick lining which increases maintenance costs and makes conditions soggy and slippery for tunnel users.
All going well, the work is scheduled to start around the end of March and will take several months to complete. The aim is to do the work at night to minimise disruption.
Background:
- The Karori Tunnel took two years to build and opened in 1900. It is 76 metres in length.
- It was the first transport tunnel constructed in the city.
- It is a listed heritage object in the District Plan.
- The tunnel is in very good structural condition, and had earthquake strengthening works completed in 2012.
- More than 100,000 vehicles use the tunnel each week.