As part of the Waitemata Local 
Board’s Greenway Plan, I’ve championed for investigation into opening the closed Parnell rail tunnel (an original rail tunnel immediately adjacent to the present day tunnel) so that a Greenway could be created between Newmarket and points downtown, such as Beach Rd, or the Grafton Gully cycleway (once completed).
This would mean residents from Newmarket being able to walk or cycle for part of the way into town on an off-road path without having to negotiate busy Broadway and Parnell Rd – a very attractive option for many! An engineers report commissed by the Board has recently confirmed the suitability of the tunnel for a pedestrian path and cycleway, subject to several constraints that need to be managed. The engineers report the old tunnel is in really good condition.
The difficult part will be creating the Greenway leading to and from the tunnel. This will require a strong collaborative approach with participation from all organisations and individuals who have an interest in the area. This is achievable, and the outcome would be an impressive addition to the Greenways network in Waitemata.
The tunnel itself dates from late 1870s, and has an interesting history. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parnell_Tunnel
Christopher Demspey
I actually adore the restoration and re-purposing of anything old and no longer used for it’s original purpose. These projects inspire serious innovation and ingenuity and this is what we need more of. Ka Pai to the visionaries of this plan, I hope we can see it come to fruition soon 🙂
Thanks Ari. It’s interesting to re-purpose old things, and one wonders what in the future might be re-purposed from today!
Update on the project: AT are investigating access to the southern end of the tunnel, either by coming down through Broadway Park from Remuera Rd, or alternatively, by coming down from Parnell Rd through Cowie Street.
Then the route will go through the tunnel, and out the northern end, to reach the new Parnell Train Station, where decisions need to be made as to how the route will connect with the Nicholls Lane access to Stanley Street and the Grafton Gully Cycleway. There are three routes. One uses the existing underpass and goes down along the railway line on the western side to Nicholls Lane. The second stays on the eastern side of the railway line, and goes past the station to an as yet built underpass that will connect to Nicholls Lane. The third option is to build a bridge over the rail line taking pedestrians/cyclists from the eastern side, diagonally over the line, to Nicholls Lane.
The two southern options, and three northern options are being investigated by AT, and once these are complete, will be reported to the Local Board for next steps.
Slowly but surely this project is taking shape!
Christopher.
Christopher, this is brilliant!
Resurrecting the old tunnel for cyclists to use would be brilliant
But Quote: ‘The difficult part will be creating the Greenway leading to and from the tunnel’ END QUOTE
That is so right
The really dangerous part in the area is getting through the Broadway Newmarket shopping precinct.
Thanks Julie, you are right.
So that’ll be the next area of focus once we get the tunnel project underway.
I’d be interested in your views on this part of the Greenway link.
Resurrecting the old tunnel for cyclists to use would be brilliant.
But OUOTE
That is so right.
The really dangerous part in the area is getting through Broadway Newmarket shopping precinct.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Waitemata Board and Christopher.
I live in Brighton Road and ike to CBD or catch train in newmarket- this will make my trip to train station and options for cycling for transport quicker and easier and altogether more accessible, pleasant and convenient!!
Come to think of it – aren’t they the signature points of a successful cycle route that people will choose to use!!