Archive for August, 2012

Rail Trails in North America

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

The Directors of Transplan Pty Ltd recently rode several rail trails in North America. Here is a summary:

Myra Canyon – part of the much longer Kettle Valley Rail Trail (in British Columbia). In 8.5km of the Myra Canyon you will pass over 18 trestle bridges and through 2 tunnels. Riding from Myra Station Trailhead to Ruth Station Trailhead and back means 36 trestles and 4 tunnels in just 17km – all in mountainous terrain with spectacular views. Bike rental is available at Myra Trailhead.

Route of the Hiawatha Rail Trail (Montana/Idaho border). Trail starts with a 1.7 mile (that’s 2.7km!!) tunnel at St Paul Pass Tunnel Trailhead. It’s 23km all downhill to Pearson Trailhead through 9 tunnels and over 7 trestles. A shuttle bus will take you back up to the long tunnel which you will ride again en route back to your starting point at St Paul Pass Tunnel Trailhead. Spectacular scenery. Bike rental is available in the area.

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (rail trail). From Harrison (Idaho) the rail trail follows the shoreline of the huge Lake Coeur d’Alene – for miles and miles in either direction. The entire rail trail is 73 miles long (117km). Mostly flat trail with magnificent lakeside views and wildlife galore. Bike rental is available in Harrison.

John Wayne Pioneer Trail (part of the Iron Horse State Park in Washington – an hour out of Seattle). Start at the Hyak Trailhead and head downhill for 33 km to Cedar Falls Trailhead (at Rattlesnake Lake). Within a few hundred metres of the start you head into the 2.3 mile long (3.7 km!!!) Snoqualmie Tunnel. Scary without lights. There are another 10 or so tunnels and about a dozen trestles and smaller bridges in the 33km. Breathtaking views. A must-do experience.

Photos of the trails are available via the following links:

Myra Canyon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157630614432996/

Hiawatha: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631074068568/

Coeur d’Alenes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631074659696/

John Wayne: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631075005494/

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Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail – Audit

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

It is now 10 years since the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail was developed. Mike Maher of Transplan Pty Ltd was involved in the feasibility study in the late 1990’s to determine whether a drive trail (roughly following the Goldfields Water Supply Pipeline was a worthwhile project. It was and Transplan Pty Ltd went on to prepare the detailed Trail Development Plan and then project managed the construction of the trail. Transplan has now been appointed by the National Trust of Australia (WA) to undertake the audit. The 2012 audit has the following ‘scope of works’:
* Drive the entire route from west to east (ie. Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie) and from east to west (ie. Kalgoorlie to Mundaring Weir)
* Inspect all sites along route, taking note of upgrading work required at sites and between sites
* Review all directional signage along route, taking note of missing, damaged and/or obscured signs
* Review all road and intersection re-configurations along the route and the consequent need for new directional signage
* Review all interpretive signage, taking note of legibility of text and photos
* Walk all trails associated with GPHT, taking note of condition of surface, trailside furniture, directional signage, interpretive signage and trailhead facilities.

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Toodyay Bike Plan – Community Consultation

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

A Community Meeting is being held at 5.30pm on Thursday 30th August 2012 (at the Toodyay Community Centre) to discuss the draft Toodyay Bike Plan 2012. Transplan Pty Ltd prepared the original Toodyay Bicycle Plan in 2004 and the current Bike Plan seeks to update that plan, as well as proposing additions and extensions to the existing bicycle network. The new plan focusses on the ongoing and progressive development of the shared path network, the installation of bike lanes and/or sealed shoulders, ‘spot improvements’ to the cycling network as well as installation of bicycle parking rails at selected destinations.

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