The Coonawarra Rail Trail is taking shape
The Wattle Range Council is making good progress with the construction of the Coonawarra Rail Trail. The majority of the base has been laid and compacted and 8km of the trails 20km length has been sealed. Work will focus on constructing the Penola and Glenroy sections of the trail in March with completion planned for April.
The path will have a 3m wide base with a 2.4m wide spray seal surface which will cover the existing rail lines. The railway lines and sleepers have been retained and built over at the request of the owner of the rail corridor, the State Government. The Minister for Transport has been requested to explain why the rails and sleepers needed to be retained.
Sealed surface
unsealed section showing rail lines level with the compacted surface
Sealed surface showing original rails level with the rubble surface
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29/07/22
More News
The AGM for Monaro Rail Trail Inc was held at the Cooma Library and online on Monday 14 November 2022. The major outcome...
Following on from a successful exhibition at the Melbourne Bike Show last month, RTA were again represented at the inaug...
The Riesling Trail is one of Australia’s oldest and most popular rail trails with many experiences to enjoy in Sou...
On Friday 11 November, the two RTA Regional Reps for South Australia and their partners travelled to Clare to attend the...
The Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail have done a huge amount of work for the O’Keefe Rail Trail and RTA&#...
November Update The rail trail opened with a well attended family event at Coonawarra on the 5 November. More details in...
Early October saw the return of the Around the Bay cycling event after being cancelled for the last 2-years. ‘Friends ...
The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is open again after two bridges were replaced earlier than expected. “The bridges...
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4 comments on “The Coonawarra Rail Trail is taking shape”
Hi – I was looking for an update as to when this trail might be open. last news item I could find said April 2022.
Thanks
I do not understand why the Rails have been retained. I for one have come off my Bike whilst traversing wet steel surfaces and it seems obvious to me that wear will soon expose sections of the Steel Rail. I would not like to be the owner of the Trail as there are likely to be numerous injury claims in the future.
Thanks for your comment Edward. I have asked the Minister why retention of the rails and sleepers is a condition of the licence of the rail corridor to the Council. As yet, I have not received a reply and I may not, given that we are approaching an election. I have pointed out the risks involved to the Council and they are doing all they can to minimise the risk. Unfortunately there is little that can be done and the risk will be ever present and will grow as the path ages. I will raise the issue with the Minister again once the election has been determined.
l guess it saves them the cost of removal.