An upgraded 80 metre avalanche and rockfall shelter, along with a new bunker to protect tunnel workers and equipment, is being proposed for the eastern end of the Homer Tunnel.

Lead by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), the development is stage two of the agency's $25 million project to improve safety at the icon Fiordland gateway to Milford Sound.

However around 3.2 hectares of Fiordland National Park will be needed for this second stage, necessitating a resource consent and boundary alteration to the Southland District Plan.

An artists impression of the Homer Tunnel's new eastern entrance. Photo: Waka Kotahi NZTA

This stage will also include a 30 metre long stabilised earth retaining wall, replacement of rock rip rap erosion protectors and the excavation of the now closed off carpark area (to backfill over the shelter) is also included in the NZTA proposal.

Stage one, started in the second half of 2022 has already seen a new "fire life" safety systems installed including cameras, radar, barrier arms, specialized speakers and remote monitoring from Te Anau.

However work on the tunnel has meant daily closures of Milford Road, which has continued to impact on Milford Sound tourist operators who are still recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 lockdowns.