About the Dunedin tunnels project
The Dunedin Tunnels Trail project team will build a 15km cycle and walking path between Dunedin and Mosgiel that will go through the Chain Hills and Caversham tunnels.
The Dunedin tunnels trail will …
- be largely off-road and relatively flat, making it easier to cycle or walk and a more attractive alternative option for everyday commuting and recreational cycling and walking for all ages between Dunedin city centre, Caversham, Burnside, Green Island, Abbotsford, Fairfield and Mosgiel.
- provide a safer and user-friendly path through two decommissioned railway tunnels (Chain Hills and Caversham), along the old railway line, existing road network, and access through private property.
- include safety and security measures include fencing along the old railway tracks, signage and lighting through the tunnels and along the trail route.
- link to other cycle networks.
Objectives
The Dunedin Tunnels Trail project aims to achieve a range of environmental, social (including safety) and economic objectives:
- Improving the safety of cyclists (and pedestrians)
- Encouraging more people to use active modes of transport including cycling, walking, and scootering, contributing to a low carbon transport system
- Increasing the number of people cycling and walking for recreation and tourism, and associated economic development
- Working towards connecting Dunedin to cycle trails and routes beyond the city e.g. to the Taieri Plains, the Clutha Gold Trail, Otago Central Rail Trail
- Improving community outcomes, including health, neighbourhood connectedness and quality of local environment.
Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust – a key partner
- The Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust (DTTT) has been working on the trail for several years.
- The DCC is working in partnership with the DTTT under a Memorandum of Understanding, particularly in relation to the Chain Hills tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
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Why are we building this trail?
To provide a route for everyone to use, with no vehicles and that connects Dunedin and Mosgiel. It allows everyone to see some special Victorian heritage – the Chain Hills tunnel and the Caversham tunnel.
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Who will be able to use the Dunedin tunnels trail?
People of all ages who want to walk, ride or scoot, for their commute to and from work or for exercise and recreation in their leisure time.
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How much will the project cost?
The complete cost of the project will not be known until the investigative work has been carried out.
The project is currently in the ‘initiation stage’ which will see a 'single-stage' business case and preliminary design completed.
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How is the Dunedin tunnels trail project going to be funded?
The project is currently funded through the Dunedin City Council’s 10 year plan 2018/28 and is being considered as part of the Council’s 2022/23 Annual Plan process.
A ‘single-stage’ business case will be submitted to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund.
Once funding is approved the Dunedin Tunnels Trail project will move into the detailed design project phase.
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When will construction on the trail start?
Construction work on the trail is expected to start later in 2023.
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When will the project be finished?
The project is expected to be completed in 2028/29.
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What safety measures are being taken to allow public access through the tunnels?
Detailed technical assessments including Health and Safety, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and structural considerations will be carried out before any public access is permitted through the tunnels.
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Dunedin Tunnel Cycle Trail Single Stage Business Case
- Dunedin Tunnel Cycle Trail Single Stage Business Case (PDF File, 2.1 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix A - C (PDF File, 952.8 KB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix D part 1 (PDF File, 2.5 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix D part 2 (PDF File, 11.1 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix E - L (PDF File, 5.9 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix M (PDF File, 3.1 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix N part 1 (PDF File, 8.3 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix N part 2 (PDF File, 6.6 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix N part 3 (PDF File, 4.4 MB | New window)
- Business Case Appendix O - R (PDF File, 1.8 MB | New window)
Find out more
For more information about the project, including the history of the Chain Hills and Caversham tunnels, visit the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust website