$1.8m facelift planned for capital tunnel
It’s been a six-year wait but Seatoun Tunnel will finally have its $1.8 million facelift.
Earthquake strengthening on the 144 metre-long tunnel is due to start before the end of the year.
A civil defence preparedness report in 2011 warned the Karori, Northland, Seatoun and Hataitai tunnels needed work to minimise the risk of the CBD being isolated from the outer suburbs after an earthquake. Work for the tunnels was announced the following year.
Earthquake strengthening has finished on the three other tunnels, now the Wellington City Council wants design proposals for Seatoun Tunnel before work gets under way.
The 112-year-old structure is an ‘‘effective escape route’’ out of Seatoun and Karaka Bays. The inside will be painted but it’s set to keep its charm, councillor Chris Calvi-Freeman said.
The facelift would make the tunnel a brighter, safer travel route for residents to walk and bike through.
‘‘Preparation for earthquakes is important work and I’m pleased the council is investing in this vital infrastructure,’’ he said.
In 2012 the main areas of concern identified for the tunnel, which was built in 1906, were the portal walls (the tunnel entrances) and some areas above the tunnel.
However, at that time the tunnel itself was expected to perform ‘‘quite well’’ in a large earthquake.
The tunnel project’s $1.8 million cost is outlined in the council’s draft 10-year plan. Residents have been invited to provide feedback on the plans on the council’s website.
Public consultation is open until Tuesday, May 15.