Historic tunnel on Kettle Valley Rail Trail to reopen after more than 30 years

After more than 30 years the historic Adra Tunnel located on a section of the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail is set to reopen in the south Okanagan.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has been supporting efforts to reopen the trail, which is located above Naramata.

A community group dubbed as the “Woodwackers 2.0” initiated the project and have been volunteering their funds, resources and expertise to safely reopen the tunnel.

The phased project has moved from engineered assessments to determine the feasibility of opening the 487-metre tunnel after it was closed in the early 1990s due to instability.

“This project is ignited by a strong sense of community passion, generosity, and purpose from the Woodwackers 2.0 and their supporters to make what has been a seemingly impossible task become possible,” said Adrienne Fedrigo, electoral area “e” director.

Crews have now begun physical rock bolting and shotcrete work to stabilize the structures.

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 Adra Tunnel has been closed to the public for more than 40 years,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair.

“Now, after months of exploratory work, fully funded and initiated by private donations and overseen by the Regional District, the full potential of the KVR may once again become a reality.”

The community group says the reopening of the tunnel will reinforce the KVR’s reputation as a world-class trail and support tourism throughout the Okanagan.