A joint signage project along the O’Keefe Rail Trail between the City of Greater Bendigo and the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail is keeping the history of the Bendigo to Heathcote railway line alive.
A series of 11 signs funded by the City of Greater Bendigo have been installed along the 49km O’Keefe Rail Trail to tell the story of the Bendigo to Heathcote line from its beginning in 1887 until its closure in 1958.
City of Greater Bendigo Engineering Manager Brett Martini said Victoria has a great rail history and many of the lines built in the mid to late 1800’s and early 1900’s that criss-cross the state no longer exist so it is important to record this part of our history.
“Although the Bendigo to Heathcote line was mostly dismantled by 1962 there still remains some significant rail relics and bridges along the O’Keefe Rail Trail which have been highlighted through the new signs,” Mr Martini said.
“The O’Keefe Rail Trail is a wonderful asset for Greater Bendigo that provides unique opportunities for residents and visitors to walk and cycle a total of 49kms between Bendigo and Heathcote.
“While there is already plenty to see and do along the trail the new signs are important because they provide some important links with history which makes it more interesting for users.”
Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail spokesperson Garry Long said the signage project has been an important one for the group and the community.
