Bellarine Rail Trail Development
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The latest developments and improvements on the trail
Paved trail nearing South Geelong Station
06 October 2008. The Bellarine Trail continues to improve as work on the trail surface and associated amenities go forward. The trail surface is now sealed from the Geelong Showgrounds to within shouting distance of South Geelong Station, as shown in the photos below.
The photo on the left shows the terminus of the trail, with its new bitumen topping, at the end of Strong Street in South Geelong (Melways ref 452 C9), which is about 500 meters from the train station - shown in the photo on the right.
The next progression is to link the trail over just that little bit of extra distance to the station. Our page (link at right) on "linking the 3Bs" outlines how we would like to see that happen. We will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders to encourage this to go forward.
Upgrades to the trail's amenities have generated some recent local media coverage in the Geelong Advertiser, which can be found here.
Bellarine Trail surface upgrades
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25 July 2008. The riding experience on the Bellarine Rail Trail is set for significant improvement, now that the paving upgrade is underway.
The picture at right shows a brand new sealed surface at Leopold near Kensington Road. Smooooth.
The ultimate goal is to seal the entire length of trail, but like many other projects, it is being undertaken in digestible sections. Thanks to the City of Greater Geelong for paving these new sections.
We are working with VicRoads and the City of Geelong to have more sections of the trail sealed soon, especially the section from South Geelong Station towards Leopold, to link up with the newly paved sections.
Paving this route will make the Bellarine Trail a much more accessible transportation route for commuters to use between Leopold and Geelong City.
Improving connections in Geelong
We have a vision to see the Bellarine Rail Trail linked to both the Barwon River Trail and the Bay Trail. See the 3Bs link (right).
The Bellarine Rail Trail currently ends at Carr Road near the Geelong Showground in South Geelong (Melway 452 E9). A short distance away is the Barwon River Trail (Melway 452 B9).
We want to see the rail trail extended along Carr St to South Geelong station and a protected bike lane constructed along Swanston St to John Landy Athletics Field and the Barwon River Path. See link (right) for more.
Improving connections in Queenscliff
The trail starts at the Queenscliff railway station runs westward until it reaches Murray Rd (Melway 500 D1). This intersection is confusing as there is a local path on the other side of pedestrian crossing on the Bellarine Hwy that people mistakedly take instead of turning down Murray Rd.
Signage at the intersection should direct rail trail users down Murray Rd. The barriers in the middle of the path are also a hazard and should be removed. See photo (right).
The path appears to disapper down Murray Rd (Melway 486 B12) and trail users must ride on the road. See photo (right). We would like council to investigate options to improve this section of path.
They did a good job with the section of trail along Nankervis Pde (Melway 486 H12) and something similar may work on Murray Rd.
Improving link through Drysdale
The trail is not well defined around Drysdale station. We would like to see the trail made more legible around the station area.