The City is undertaking a $255,000 project to improve safety and accessibility along the O’Keefe Rail Trail.
On this page:
The constant wet weather last winter saturated soil onsite therefore impacting the works. However, the City has now commenced works with an anticipated completion at the end of July 2024. Thank you for your patience as we work through challenging site issues.
About this project
The project is taking place within the Peppercorn Park Reserve off Longlea Lane and will include:
- Construction of two unisex toilet facilities (one accessible)
- Construction of a new car parking area (for up to 16 vehicles)
- Installation of a shelter with picnic tables
- Installation of five new bike hoops
- Improvements to the entrance of Peppercorn Park
- Off grid services to create a sustainable feature of the trail
The O’Keefe Rail Trail is used for horse-riding, cycling and walking with cycling and walking numbers having grown rapidly over the last two years.
Currently, cars park along the narrow shoulder of Longlea Lane to unload their bikes which creates a potential conflict with road users in a 100km/h zone.
The creation of a new car park off the road within the Peppercorn Park reserve will remove this conflict and make it safer for trail users.
The new toilets and shelter will provide essential facilities for all trail users. It will also provide opportunities to start and finish at different points of the trail for new experiences and distances.
The trail will remain open while the works are under way and users are asked to follow all directional signage during the works.
The $255,000 project is being funded by the City with a $5,000 contribution from the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail.
This project aims to:
- Increase accessibility to the trail
- Increase public safety along the roadside for trail users loading and unloading bikes
- Deliver safe places to toilet
- Attract local and regional people to the trail
- Provide infrastructure to service cycling participation and cycling based tourism
- Provide free recreation opportunities for all community members to participate
- Support tourism activities and encourages exploration of Greater Bendigo beyond the city to Axedale and Heathcote
- Increase local economic activity
- Increase diverse, safe, community participation
- Increase physical activity in Greater Bendigo
Contact
If you have any questions about this project, please contact: