After 13 long years the Bridle Track has reopened to traffic from today.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor shared in the honour of officially reopening the road and were the first to drive the new two-kilometer diversion stretching above Monaghan’s Bluff and rejoins the road towards Hill End.
For years the Bridle Track linking Bathurst and Hill End has been closed to traffic due to rockslides, which has made the road impassable at Monaghan’s Bluff. The new diversion has been constructed to rejoin Bathurst to Hill End.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said it has been a drawn-out process as there were a number of significant steps that had to be followed to get this stage.
“The NSW Government committed $2 million for this iconic road to be reopened,” Mr Toole said.
“The funding was made available to Bathurst Regional Council to go towards allowing vehicles to once again complete the 60 km journey between Bathurst and Hill End.
“It is fantastic to be here today to see this track finally reopened. This has been a goal of mine since becoming local member twelve years ago.
“The Bridle Track is a favourite with four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, campers and anglers and is an example of how heritage tourism can benefit the region.
Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor was impressed with the new diversion.
“Reopening the Bridle Track brings with it significant economic benefits to the region, including the village of Hill End,” said Mr Taylor.
“The campgrounds along the route are a lure for locals and visitors alike and present a number of opportunities to bring outdoor enthusiasts to the area.”
The Bridle Track’s history dates back in the early 1800s when it was a horse route for stockman but become a very busy transport corridor when gold was discovered in the Turon Valley and was used by those wanting to strike it rich during the gold rush.
