Waranga Rail Trail

• Project typeRecreation and open space
• Project value$3,700,000
• Project scheduleConstruction
• Contractor nameEarthworks Civil and Construction and Northern Constructions Group
• Completion Date31 March 2025

The Waranga Rail Trail Project includes the development of 11 kilometres of trail between the town of Rushworth and Channel Inlet Road (the shire boundary). The trail will provide economic, recreational and social benefits for local communities, as well as providing regional growth as part of a larger Rail Trail network. The project aims to take advantage of the natural attractions of the area and improve the connectivity and liveability of local communities. The trail section includes six bridges. 

Rushworth asphalt section of the Rail Trail

Council is pleased to announce that the 1km asphalt section of the Waranga Rail Trail is complete and open for the community to enjoy. The shared path commences at High Street in Rushworth, passes alongside the historic goods shed and railway lines, and concludes at the Bendigo - Murchison Road crossing.

These works were completed by contractor Earthworks Civil and Construction on behalf of Council, including:

• Removal of one railway line;
• Construction of 1km asphalt path from High Street to the Bendigo-Murchison Road crossing;
• Regulatory signage and line marking.

Gravel section of the Rail Trail

Construction of the second stage of the Waranga Rail Trail is almost complete. The new trail will be opened to the community on Tuesday, 1 April, following the final inspections and contractor demobilisation.

These works were completed by contractor Northern Constructions Group on behalf of Council, including:

• Construction of 10km of gravel path, extending from the Bendigo-Murchison Road crossing to Channel Inlet Road;
• Installation of new concrete bridge decks on three bridges;
• Repairs and safety balustrade installation on all six bridges; and
• Installation of several drainage culverts, regulatory signage, fencing and bollards.

Funding bodies

This project has been funded by the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program.