Naramata British Columbia - The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is directing efforts toward the reopening the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley rail trail near Naramata.
 
The project to reopen the Adra Tunnel was initiated by Woodwackers 2.0, a diverse community network that has been advocating and working towards reopening this tunnel, according to a regional district media release.
 
The regional district has also been working with Recreation Sites and Trail BC plus contractors to reopen the Tunnel.
 
"The reopening of the Adra Tunnel will enhance tourism in the region and become a destination for people of all ages. This important restoration project is the result of a strong community vision and financial contributions from a wide cross-section of the community," Adrienne Fedrigo, Electoral Area E director, said in the release.
 
With the province's approval, the project has been able to move past the engineering assessments that determined the feasibility of the project including the physical rock bolting and shotcrete work needed to stabilize the structure.
 
As of now, more than 2,000 cubic metres of rocks have been removed, 121 of the 412 bolts needed have been installed, and 42 cubic metres of shotcrete have been sprayed.
 
This represents 365 metres of the tunnel having been secured with 121 metres left to secure.
 
"The Adra Tunnel has been closed to the public for more than 40 years. Now, thanks to private donations, the full potential of the Kettle Valley rail trail may once again become a reality," Mark Pendergraft, Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen chair, said in the release.
 
The tunnel is about 486 metres long and was built 109 years ago.
 
It connects Kelowna and Penticton and would allow cyclists to go from one town to the other in 90 minutes.
 
There's a remaining $300,000 needed to bring the project to termination.
 
So far, the project has largely relied on donations with a total of $318,400 having been acquired thus far.
 
Be sure to check out the project's website.
 
Gabrielle Adams.