Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley section
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The Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) is converting the disused railway line that was abandoned in 2004 into a 132km trail, showcasing the diverse towns, villages and spectacular countryside between Casino and Murwillumbah.
August 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley
Lismore’s 16.3km Rail Trail section achieved another milestone this month with 80% of the twenty bridges and ten bypasses now complete. Lismore City Council is pleased to share the time-lapse construction of Back Creek Bridge Leycester, showcasing the progress achieved, moving Lismore closer towards opening its section later this year.
Construction crews continue to focus on bridges, road crossings, drainage and rest areas.
The project team have welcomed input from community, historical and Aboriginal groups into the development of interpretive signage for the Rail Trail that is currently under development.
A project update and lunch was held with landowners, residents and construction crews on Friday 23 August to thank everyone for their involvement, provide future updates and discuss plans for opening the Rail Trail.
Business education workshops were also held in Lismore on Wednesday 28 August to help businesses gain the most from the Rail Trail, to understand the opportunities, as well as provide practical advice on how the Rail Trail can transform Lismore and provide greater benefits for local businesses.
Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
July 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley
The Lismore section trail surface is now complete and construction crews are focussing on bridges and road crossings with good progress being made on the construction of the Bungabee and Back Creek bridges. Work is also continuing on the groundwork and drainage, with many of the rest stops now in place.
Many of the stockpile sites are being cleared and cleaned up, and planning is underway to construct the bridle trail and parking area near Bungabee.
The project team is currently working with the Aboriginal Advisory Group, local historical and national railway heritage groups to develop the interpretive signage along the trail. Anyone wishing to contribute ideas to the signage can email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au
A project update and lunch will be held with landowners and impacted residents in August, to discuss progress and plans for opening the Rail Trail. This face to face consultation will provide an opportunity to ask any questions and ensure all concerns are addressed. If you are a landowner, or resident on the Rail Trail and did not recieve this invitation, please email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au
June 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley
NRRT June Update
Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead.
Construction crews are focussing their work on bridges and road crossings with good progress on the construction of the bridges at Bungabee and Back Creek, along with groundwork and drainage also continuing.
Existing bridges and structures are being utilised in various ways in the construction of the Rail Trail. Following an evaluation of all the bridges and structures, some bridges were identified for restoration to be included as part of the trail, while other bridges were too dilapidated or not suitable to meet safety standards and are therefore being replaced with suitable structures depending on the topography of the land. Where bridges were unable to be utilised on the trail itself, they are being referenced with signage and provide a structural feature to be admired while on the trail. The project team is currently working on the development of interpretive signage along the trail.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be a key driver of visitation to both the Tweed and Richmond Valley sections. Lismore businesses are encouraged to get ‘Rail Trail Ready’ with the Lismore section opening later this year. If you have a business that offers visitor experiences, services, or products, there are opportunities to leverage off the rail trail.
If you would like to understand how your business or idea can benefit, please contact business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.
Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.