Tweed Shire Council is urging the community to wait until the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is safe for public use, as anticipation for the region’s newest recreational asset increases and the Council’s concerns over residents using the still under construction trail builds.
The warning follows reports of people using the trail in recent weeks, despite it not yet being open for public use.
Project Director, Iain Lonsdale, explained that construction materials may cause risks to members of the public who access the trail prior to the opening in early 2023.
“It is great to see people so eager to use the trail. Many have waited a long time to see this project come to fruition and it is not long now until we will all have access to an incredible resource for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Lonsdale said.
“But public safety is our first priority. Construction crews are still working across the length of the trail and there are a range of safety hazards that pose a risk to trail users trying to get a sneak peek ahead of the opening.”
Construction crews are still hard at work along many sections of the 24km trail and works are scheduled to continue into early 2023.
Construction materials and heavy machinery are still in use on many parts of the trail and signage has not yet been installed.
“We ask the community to please be patient. We know with the holiday season nearly upon us, people are keen to check out the trail. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and positive experience, so we urge everyone to hold off until the trail opens early next year,” Mr Lonsdale said.
Work is expected to be completed on the trail early next year, weather permitting, with a host of community activities in the planning to mark its official opening.
Featured image: Workers constructing the slab to mark the old station at Dunbible. Work is continuing along the Tweed leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which is expected to be open to the public early 2023. Image: Tweed Shire Council.
