INFORMATION RELEASE

Adra Tunnel is off-limits while work continues at the historic site. Despite signage and fencing, several cyclists have ignored safety warnings and attempted to enter the site.

This is a serious risk to everyone involved. Please respect all signage and the workers on site and avoid the area until further notice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

To learn more about the Adra Tunnel, share ideas, or donate to help complete the project, please visit http://www.adratunnel.squarespace.com/ to connect to a fundraising account that will be overseen by the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.

For further information, please contact Mark Woods, RDOS Senior Manager of Community Services.

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Contacts:

Mark Woods
RDOS Senior Manager of Community Services
250-490-4132

Background

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is supporting efforts to reopen the historic Adra Tunnel, located on the KVR Trail above Naramata, BC, in Electoral Area “E”. The project was initiated by a community group known as the “Woodwackers 2.0”. The group is an informal community network of local individuals and businesses working collaboratively with the RDOS, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, and several local contractors to bring together the funds, resources, and expertise to safely reopen the Adra Tunnel.

The Woodwackers 2.0 group spans generations and industries and shares the RDOS’ vision for the KVR Trail to become a prime heritage and recreation site.

With approval from the Province of BC, the phased project has moved from engineered assessments to determine the feasibility of opening the 487-metre tunnel, to physical rock bolting and shotcrete work to stabilize the structure. The RDOS is overseeing this work and helping to facilitate next steps, which includes securing final approval from the Province of BC for the opening and ongoing operation of the tunnel.

• The 109-year-old Adra Tunnel is the longest tunnel on the Okanagan’s KRV Trail.

• 200 cubic meters of rock and debris have been cleared from the tunnel over the course of thousands of hours of volunteer work. This has enabled engineers to enter the tunnel and complete the initial safety assessment and advance feasibility work.

• The informal community network working to reopen the Adra Tunnel consists of residents and business owners from Penticton and Naramata. The group has been quietly working for the past two years to facilitate the reopening.

• Private donations in excess of $300,000 have been directed to assess and prepare the tunnel for the next phase of engineering work. While there is much to be celebrated, there is still much to do, and more funds are needed.

• This is the first time in the past 30 years the tunnel has been close to reopening.

Adra Tunnel, KVR Trail above Naramata, B.C., Electoral Area “E”