Waranga Rail Trail

• Project typeRecreation and open space
• Project value$3,400,000
• Project scheduleConstruction
• Contractor nameEarthworks Civil and Construction and Northern Constructions Group
• Completion Date31 March 2025

The Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project (Waranga section) will see the development of 11 kilometres of trail between the town of Rushworth and Chanel 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 seven bridges.

Project stages

• Engagement and design - completed by the end of 2022.
• Approvals and tenders - completed.
• Construction - works have commenced and will be completed in stages by 31 March 2025.

Tree removals

Local contractor Arbor Dynamics were engaged to undertake tree removals along the alignment of the new trail. This followed Council obtaining a planning permit in August 2023 and purchasing the native vegetation offset credits in September 2023. Council donated many of the larger trees to the Waranga Basin Fish Habitat project, which was completed in October 2023. 

Rushworth asphalt section of the Rail Trail

Earthworks Civil and Construction have completed a majority of the work on the Rushworth asphalt section of the Rail Trail project. These works include:

• Removal of one railway line.
• Installation of the sub base and drainage for the 1km asphalt path from High Street to the Bendigo—Murchison Road crossing.
• Construction of footpath and road intersections.
• Regulatory signage and line marking.

Construction of the asphalt path will restart in November, once the subgrade has had time to strengthen.

Gravel section of the Rail Trail

Northern Construction Group has been awarded the contract to build the final 10km of gravel cycling trail, from the Bendigo - Murchison Road crossing to Channel Inlet Road. The works also include repairs to six VicTrack bridges, path drainage, culvert and safety barrier installations and signage.

Works on this stage are scheduled to commence this month and be completed by April 2025. Please note that large areas of the railway reserve will be flagged off for construction purposes and traffic management will be in place to ensure safe construction access from the adjacent roads.

Funding Bodies

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