VOICE of BYRON regular, Tim Shanasy, shot a couple of pics showing the deteriorating state of the Billinudgel railway bridge.
Tim says, “The Billinudgel Railway Bridge is an example of how unfit our rail corridor is for any train service.
“It’s difficult to think that only 13 years ago, 76-tonne XPT engines and carriages rumbled over this very bridge, with people in it too.
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“Have a close look at where the timbers used to be before they rotted away, leaving the 2″ diameter bolts in the air.”
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Of course time takes its toll on timbers that haven’t been maintained for over 13 years but it would always have been the case that a renewal program of the structures along the line would be required and this is to be expected if a rail service is to be reintroduced onto our beautiful Casino – Murwillumbah line. Most timbers would have to be replaced with concrete pillars and steel sleepers, which is why it will cost an amount of money but probably only 1/3 of the cost suggested by the government funded ARUP’s so-called ‘study’. The bike trailers will always ‘put the boot in’ to make it sound impossible for a rail service to begin again but it needs the will of Sydney or Canberra-focussed politicians (or a joint community/private partnership) to provide this much needed service to the residents and visitors in the Northern Rivers, so that we can enjoy this comfortable efficient means of transport that we are so very much lacking! Let your political reps know we are being treated unfairly in comparison to other parts of NSW and especially other states that see the enormous benefits and are building more rail transport. It is especially galling when our rail line runs through one of the most picturesque regions of the world! A few decaying timbers don’t detract from the fact that we still need trains on our tracks!