After a number of disastrous years including two major bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, the iconic Zig Zag Railway is making strides toward reopening to the public.
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Contractors are on site working on the improvements to the car park as part of ongoing upgrades funded by $3.5 million from the NSW Government. The car park is an essential part of a Development Application (DA) that was previously approved by Lithgow Council.
"This project, like many across the Zig Zag precinct, has been delayed due to fire, heavy rain, and the COVID-19 pandemic," Chairman of Zig Zag Railway Ben Lawrence said.
"However, getting the car park in order is not only a massive job but also another step towards our return to passenger operations.
"After some unforeseen delays, I am pleased that construction is now progressing well and ties in with our expected return to passenger operations in the New Year.
"The car park is one of many projects currently underway at this historic location. Our tireless volunteers and industry partners are working feverishly to ensure our track, viaducts, stations, and rolling stock are in 'tip top' condition for when we are finally able to welcome visitors to Zig Zag Railway again."
Lithgow Mayor Ray Thompson said the lifting of restrictions between Lithgow and Greater Sydney along with these upgrades means the region is set for a busy holiday season.
"They're well into the car park now...they'll be running early in the new year I would think," he said.
"Geez it's made a difference up there. The poor buggers they went through fire after fire and now they've got new amenities up there, toilets and the car park, it should be up and really blasting early in the new year.
"All the work is done by volunteers and with some really good grants from the state government - I don't think the feds have had too much input up there - but the state government has been very, very good to Zig Zag."
Deputy Premier Paul Toole visited Clarence last week to inspect upgrades.
Mr Toole said the car park upgrade marks the start of upgrades at the station proper.
"It was great to see work is progressing well on the $2.3 million, 400 vehicle carpark construction at the site," he said.
"In the past the Zig Zag Railway used to attract around 60,000 visitors each year, so when we see it return to that level of visitation it will provide a huge economic boost to the local area."
Bushfires in October 2013 forced the closure of the Zig Zag Railway while the Gospers Mountain Fire in December 2019 caused further damage while COVID-19 restrictions put plans to reopen on hold.
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