Source: Radio New Zealand
The Chain Hills Tunnel opened in the 1870s as a single railway line, before being decommissioned more than three decades later. RNZ / Tess Brunton
The government is investing $2 million to help extend a cycle trail linking Dunedin to Mosgiel, using historic railway tunnels.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the boost for the Dunedin Tunnels Trail on Friday, saying it would attract more visitors to Otago and transform Dunedin into a premier cycling destination.
The funding is part of the government’s major events and tourism package, and will go towards Stages 2 and 3 of the project to extend the trail to Fairfield, Abbotsford and Green Island, which are expected to be finished in 2027.
A 1.55km section from Wingatui through the Chain Hills Tunnel is close to opening. RNZ / Tess Brunton
The project is being co-funded by the Dunedin City Council.
The Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust is developing the trails in partnership with the council, and is close to opening a 1.55km section from Wingatui through the Chain Hills Tunnel and a few hundred metres into the native bush beyond.
The trail will go to Kaikorai Valley and through the Caversham Tunnel into the city as part of Stages 4 and 5, eventually spanning 15km between Mosgiel and Dunedin on mostly flat terrain, and connecting to the region’s wider network of Great Rides.
“We are proud to support projects that deliver real economic impact and can get underway immediately,” Upston said. “I’m looking forward to seeing this one take shape.
“There’s a real sense of momentum building across our cycling network and tourism sector.”
Work is underway to prepare the Chain Hills Tunnel to reopen. RNZ / Tess Brunton
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand