The Awakino Tunnel was cut through the 25 million-year-old Oligocene limestones of the Te Kuiti Group. Opened in 1923-24, the Awakino Valley road and its tunnel were a welcome replacement for the difficult, winding Taumatamaire Road to the west.
In 2011 the desirability of removing the tunnel altogether was raised by the Taranaki transport industry but met with vocal opposition. Eventually 400mm was shaved off the sides to make it a easier for large trucks pass through.
The 2.3 kilometre bypass of the tunnel - including two bridges over the Awakino River - was begun in October 2019 and opened in June 2021.
Documents
Stuck truck proves TNZ maths are not all they should be by John Mitchell Taranaki Daily News 29 August 1996
Calls to blow up tunnel by John Anthony Taranaki Daily News 30 March 2011
The long and winding road Taranaki Daily News 9 April 2011
Last toot for Awakino tunnel by Mike Watson Taranaki Daily News 25 May 2021
Taranaki (New Zealand), view of men through highway tunnel on Awakino River (1924). Frederick Gardner Clapp. University of Milwaukee Libraries (7350).
LinkTaranaki (New Zealand), men near highway tunnel on Awakino River (1924). Frederick Gardner Clapp. University of Milwaukee Libraries (7353).
Link"Travelling artist" (1928). Unknown photographer. Collection of Puke Ariki (PHO2001-349).
LinkRoad tunnel and river gorge, Awakino valley (31 December 1955). Leslie Adkin. Collection of Te Papa (A.008238).
LinkTwo-bridge bypass of Awakino tunnel announced as part of $135m safety project (Taranaki Daily News 13 April 2017)
LinkWaka Kotahi releases flyover video of Awakino Tunnel bypass progress (Taranaki Daily News 20 April 2021)
LinkAwakino historic tunnel (Mokau Community Trust)
LinkRoad Tunnels of Taranaki
LinkPlease do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
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