TRACK WORKS for the Byron Bay train service, which will run on the 3 km of track between the Byron Arts Estate/Sunrise Beach and Byron township, should be complete by early December.
Between now and that time construction will commence on both the Bayshore Drive/Sunrise Beach platform and storage shed, as well as the town platform, located between Simmo’s service station and the First Sun Caravan Park.
Plans to convert the train to solar hybrid operation are progressing quickly and The Byron Bay Railway Company (BBRC) says an update will be available soon.
A BBRC spokesperson said platform works should continue until April.
“There may be some minor traffic delays at the Shirley Street level crossing during this time as we deliver materials for the platform construction.
“We apologise for any inconvenience you may experience.”
The train is intended for use by Sunrise Beach residents, residents and workers in the Byron Arts Estate, locals visiting the Arts estate, Elements of Byron guests and many of the 1.5 million tourists who visit the Northern Rivers annually.
The fare will be $3 for a one way journey. There is capacity for 100 seated passengers, additional standing passengers, seating for people with a disability and storage space for surfboards, bicycles and luggage which will be carried free of charge.
BBRC aims to commence services by Easter 2017, initially running an hourly return service commencing from the town platform around 8 am with the last train leaving the town platform around 10 pm.
Byron Bay Railroad Company is a not-for-profit accredited heritage rail operator. BBRC holds a non-exclusive licence from Transport for NSW to use the rail corridor and rail infrastructure and is required to maintain both these state owned assets at its own cost.
Contact BBRC on 6685 6561 or enquiries@byronbaytrain.com.au with any questions or concerns.