G2G Trail Tunnel at Blyth
The Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail is a hiking and biking trail that runs 132 kilometres along the former CPR railway line. The trail’s operations are almost entirely maintained and funded by volunteers and donations as a non-profit charitable organization with one paid employee.
Since the project in 2020 that saw an end-to-end refurbishment, including brush clearing, grading and surfacing with stone dust, the trail is attracting users from all ages and abilities to hike and bike either portions or to complete an end-to-end trip.
The G2G is working with a number of partner organizations this fall on projects designed to enhance the safety and accessibility of the trail. Dead tree removal, trail surfacing and improving access point signage and accessibility are scheduled to be completed before December.
In Huron County, there are several major projects on the horizon. The first is a new culvert at Sandhill Line to improve accessibility for riders and walkers and to protect the small stream that cuts through the trail, and should be installed sometime this fall.
A new bridge across the Maitland River has been a dream since work began on the trail over 10 years ago. The current detour adds 10 kilometres to the route. A design concept and quote have now been prepared and the project is just waiting for funding.
A big hurdle to overcome in making the trail accessible for all is the Blyth Road (County Road 25) crossing just west of the village. Years ago, the County of Huron filled in the tunnel under the roadway to limit any potential liability, resulting in a steep hill on either side for users to continue on the trail. The county and the G2G Rail Trail committee have reached an agreement to open the tunnel once the G2G has raised the funds. The organization has raised two-thirds of the $500,000 needed to accomplish the project and is almost ready to tender the project. With a final fundraising drive this fall, the tunnel could be completed in the spring of 2023. This will be an important milestone in creating a safe, barrier-free trail. Please help the group by visiting their website and helping them achieve the goal of a continuous and fully inclusive and accessible trail experience! www.g2grailtrail.com/hwy25-tunnel-project