Fundraising for the Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail has reached over $185,000.
Organizers are hoping to have the trail cleared and groomed smooth enough for walking and hiking by spring. Cyclists may find it a little rough
They also expect to have significant sections of the trail wide and smooth enough for wheelchairs in the summer, and snowmobiles in the winter.
The big challenge ahead is the repair, restoration or replacement of bridges--gaps with currently must be circumnavigated using roads.
The bridges over the Grand, Conestoga and Maitland Rivers need to be replaced.
Now that the trail is fully leased, and 98% open, major fundraising will begin for $3.5-million in upgrades.
The 127 km abandoned rail trail is being redeveloped as a fully accessible path for non-motorized uses.
