Mount Gambier’s Rail Trail has extended to the west of the city – taking the route to more than 12km. The trail now covers the city from the east to west boundary and completes the conversion of the entire former railway line.
The shared path for cyclists and pedestrians was extended 1.2km from White Avenue to the city boundary on Tollner Road as part of stage four of the project. Council’s Environmental
Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said the high quality path was great for residents and visitors to Mount Gambier and it now covered all available rail line in Mount Gambier.
“It is hoped the extension will assist with connecting users to a larger rail trail network across the region in the future,” he said. The $221,000 project was supported by a grant from the State Government Bicycle Fund and brings the total length of the trail to 12.4km.
Construction took place over a five month period with council staff and local contractor Gambier Earth Movers completing the works. Council’s Construction and Maintenance Coordinator Chris Habets said the trail was already in use with surrounding residents praising the extension.
“Initial feedback during the final stages of construction is the extension has been welcomed, particularly from those who live in the western part of the city,” he said. “Fencing adjacent to the road crossings, pedestrian tactile paving and further line marking will be completed in the coming weeks.”
Council will now seek further funding from the State Government under the Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program for solar lighting along the entire trail and an extension from Wandilo Road to Wireless Road West, linking with the TAFE and UniSA campuses.
