Tumbarumba to Rosewood Trail Keeping to the Rails
Published on 12 June 2019
Construction of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is off to a strong start with the project’s early works currently tracking within budget and scheduled timelines.
Director of Assets and Infrastructure Matthew Christensen says the onset of winter has not slowed construction of the $5.7 million rail trail and Council is pleased with the current progress of the project.
“We are about to start fencing several sections of the rail trail, which is a great opportunity for three local contractors and a major milestone for the project. Subgrade gravel has been placed on the cleared 1.3km section of trail adjacent to the Hyne Timber Mill in preparation for construction of the new shared pathway,” he said.
Mr Christensen says the use of smaller machines in the construction of the rail trail is proving effective in improving time and cost efficiency.
“We are continually testing and adapting construction methods in response to the changing terrain, vegetation density and condition of the rail corridor. Small machines are working well to minimise damage to the existing formation which will ultimately save time and money when the new pathway is built on the existing formation.
“Vegetation is being cleared by a small excavator, with trees and logs being chipped on site. The fish plates and bolts that connect the rails are detached using rattle guns and cutting equipment before the rails and sleepers are removed by a small logging truck with a grab arm,” he said.
Mr Christensen says while the community may be able to see progress on the rail trail alongside Wagga Road, the track is not yet ready for use.
“It is important for the community to understand that the entire length of the rail trail from Tumbarumba to Rosewood is currently a restricted work site and is not accessible to the public or intended to be used by bike riders in any way until further notice from Council,” he said.
A pilot for NSW and a working model for future rail trails, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail has been funded with $4,900,000 from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure fund and an additional $800,000 from Stronger Communities Round 2 grants. Construction of the 22 kilometre walking and cycling trail is due for completion in February 2020.