The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is close to finishing its first stage of investigating options for improving the long-term operation, efficiency and safety of the Homer Tunnel.
It is also implementing further operational improvements within and around the tunnel, to increase driver information and safety.
NZTA southern regional director Jim Harland said the agency was working towards finishing its first investigation phase in respect of the roadway, which links Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown.
"Once a preferred option is selected, we will consult with stakeholders and the wider community on this. Options currently under consideration range from retrofitting the existing tunnel to boring a new one," he said.
In the last five years the NZTA has invested $500,000 on safety improvements on State Highway 94 from the Hollyford turnoff to Milford Sound, including the Homer Tunnel.
Tunnel specific improvements include realignment of the curve on the eastern approach to the Homer Tunnel entrance, improved communications including an emergency phone at the western portal of the tunnel, and the installation of monitoring cameras at the tunnel portals.
