23 Nov 2011

Wellington cycle group rejects Rimutaka Summit plan

4:51 pm on 23 November 2011

A Wellington cycling groups is rejecting a plan to rebuild part of a railway track between Maymorn and the Rimutaka Summit.

The Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust wants to build the track through Tunnel Gully and the Rimutaka Rail Trail.

The trust says the $12 million project will include an alternative walkway and cycle trail and could attract about 40,000 visitors a year.

But Alastair Smith from Cycle Aware Wellington says 80,000 walkers and riders already use the track and the proposed alternative is too narrow.

He says the steep gradient of the track is unsuitable for both walkers and cyclists.

The Regional Council will make a decision next month.