What interrupted the building of the Homer Tunnel?

Answer 1

World War 2

Answer 2

The Homer Tunnel was started construction in the 1930s depression as one of the projects used to withdraw single men [= troublemakers in some eyes] from the cities.

[Similar projects for similar reasons were the planting of the Kaingaroa Forest, and the road down the Hollyford, intended to reach Haast.]

When WWII started, it was considered that as Milford Sound would offer a perfect harbour to an enemy, the tunnel should at least be broken through; and that done, the work on the construction halted.

After the war, work re-started, but a huge avalanche crushed the concrete portal, and killed several workers, and work halted for some time. Even today, the tunnel entrance is covered a few times each year, or at least the danger is very high.

When first I visited in the early 50s, there was no public transport through the tunnel - one had to walk through and pick up a second bus on the far side. The Milford Track itself had yet to be re-opened after WWII. It was overgrown, and the tourist huts had been damaged.

Answer 3

Construction of the Homer Tunnel was interrupted by World War II from 1939 to 1945. The work on the tunnel was put on hold due to manpower shortages and resource reallocation for the war effort. After the war, construction resumed and the Homer Tunnel was completed in 1953.

Answer 4

World War 2