A 1.5km stretch of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, passing through the historic Chain Hills Tunnel, had a soft unveiling this week.
This portion of the trail follows the disused rail corridor from Gladstone Rd North, meandering through regenerating native bush and the iconic Chain Hills Tunnel, before concluding a short distance beyond the tunnel.
The initial phase of the project kicked off in June with $1.8 million in funding from the Dunedin City Council.
Last month, the project also secured a $2 million boost from the government.
This funding will support stages two and three of the project, extending the trail through Fairfield, Abbotsford, and Green Island.
Brent Irving, Chairman of the Tunnels Trail Trust, expressed immense joy at reaching this milestone after years of effort put into the project.
“It’s heartening to see people now enjoying the inaugural section of this trail, including the tunnel, and gaining a glimpse of the project’s potential,” he remarked.
The ultimate aim remains to offer commuters a picturesque path between the city and the Taieri region.
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker expressed delight that the first segment of the trail is now open for public enjoyment.
“The journey through the tunnel will be a highlight for individuals of all ages, offering a family-friendly short stroll or bike ride and a valuable new tourism asset for ĹŚtepoti Dunedin,” she stated.
The subsequent two phases of the trail are slated for completion by mid-2027.
Upon full realization, the trail will span 15km between Dunedin and Mosgiel, connecting the two areas via the historic Chain Hills Tunnel and Caversham Tunnel.
These links will tie into Otago’s broader network of Great Rides, encompassing trails like the Otago Central Rail Trail, Clutha Gold Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Queenstown Trails.
“Dunedin will become part of the highly successful Shared Path Cycleway network across the region and the nation,” Irving added.
— Allied Media
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