15 Jun 2013

Rock blasted as work to reopen road continues

10:30 am on 15 June 2013

The Transport Agency says work on removing a 2000-tonne section of unstable rock above the Fiordland's Homer Tunnel is going well, but it is too soon to say when the road will reopen.

Rock was blasted high above the western entrance to the Homer Tunnel.

Rock was blasted high above the western entrance to the Homer Tunnel. Photo: NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

The Milford Road, from the eastern entrance, has been closed since 23 May for emergency safety work.

The agency's Southland manager, Peter Robinson, says a blast over the tunnel's western entrance on Friday brought down a substantial amount of rock, but with the light fading, only a quick aerial inspection was possible.

He says a site visit for a close up look is planned for the next patch of clear weather, possibly on Monday.