Found deep in the rugged terrain of Fiordland National Park where snow-capped peaks meet towering granite cliffs, this eye-catching new avalanche shelter replaces an old 35-metre-long reinforced concrete shelter at Homer Tunnel which had significant seismic, rockfall, and avalanche vulnerabilities.
Originally 150-metres-long, much of the previous shelter was destroyed by avalanches in 1945 and 1997. These incidents, along with other safety concerns, prompted the initiation of the shelter’s replacement in 2020.
The project’s engineering complexity and unique environmental, heritage, and seasonal constraints meant its success hinged on the use of accelerated construction techniques.
