Delays are likely on the Milford Road from today as the road through the Homer Tunnel is resurfaced.

Tunnel closures have been scheduled twice a day to enable the work – estimated to take a fortnight – to be undertaken.

Milford Road Alliance manager Kevin Thompson said crews had been regularly patching potholes and re-levelling the tunnel road at several locations, but the full tunnel surface was now in need of replacing. In all, 1.2 km will be milled out by 7cm to 10 cm and relaid.

The New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi is investing around $1 million to re-asphalt the road through the tunnel, along with several nearby curves on the western, Milford Sound side of the tunnel. A mobile plant will operate near Te Anau to produce the asphalt needed for this work.

“To minimise disruptions for road users we are doing the work at a time when there is a lot less traffic using the Milford Road. Just how long it will take to complete this job depends on the number of winter weather disruptions work crews have to contend with,” Mr Thompson said.

“Tunnel closures will be needed and, wherever possible, these will be scheduled at night or when traffic volumes are very low. Closures will be advertised before the work starts so road users have time to plan their journey,” he said.

Closures are scheduled from today until Friday this week at the following times:

• 10.30am to 12.30pm
• 1.30pm to 4pm
• 6pm to 10pm

From next week (June 8-12), work is scheduled from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and 6pm to 10pm.

“As long as we have some prior notice, we can accommodate anyone needing urgent access through the tunnel,” Mr Thompson said.

Anyone who had urgent deliveries or services at these planned closed times should email the Milford Road Alliance or phone (03) 249 7004.

“We thank everyone who is inconvenienced by this work for being patient and bearing in mind the highway will be much better afterwards,” Mr Thompson said.