Blyth Tunnel
The Past And Future
In 1999 the Blyth Tunnel was filled in as it was no longer needed for rail traffic. This closed access under the highway forced trail users to go up a steep slope and cross a busy road to get to the other side. We are committed to restoring the Blyth Tunnel and achieving our goal of an inclusive, barrier-free G2G Rail Trail Experience!
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Blyth Tunnel Restoration Project
In accordance with our vision to develop and maintain a safe and accessible, continuous G2G Rail Trail Experience, it is time to remove a major safety barrier! The Blyth Tunnel, which once ran under Rd 25 just West of Blyth, ON, was backfilled following the decommissioning of the CP Rail Line many years ago. As a result, our users must hike up and down a steep and bumpy gravel path, crossing over a busy road, in order to continue on their G2G Rail Trail Experience. Our goal for 2023 is to restore the old tunnel, allowing bikers, hikers, walkers, and wheelers to travel under the road in a safe manner.
We are looking to you to make a once-in-a-lifetime contribution toward this milestone project for the benefit of current and future generations!
How Can You Help?
- Donate – this once-in-a-lifetime project requires investments by individuals. Only we can make our trail barrier-free.
- Advocacy – make sure your local representatives and service clubs know about the value that the G2G Rail Trail adds to your community.
- Outreach – inform friends, relatives, and business associates about this drive to restore the tunnel and what it means to you.
- Tips – pass along any suggestions of individuals or organizations we should approach to help finish this project.
- Volunteer – our trial advisory committees need your help to keep the trail groomed and maintained.
Why The Tunnel Matters
- Maintains continuity of the inclusive, safe trail experience that has attracted international attention, a wide range of users across Ontario, and Huron residents’ enthusiasm.
- Eliminates a barrier for mobility devices, recumbent bikes, children, e-bikes, bikepackers, the elderly, etc.
- Supports tourism, cultural, economic development and public health initiatives.
- Enhances the practicality of regional active transportation and keeps cyclists on the trail right of way.
- Extends seasonal recreational use for skiing, snowshoeing, fat bikes, etc.
- Eliminates an unmarked hazardous crossing of Blyth Road 25, a combination of high-speed traffic, narrow road allowance and compromised lines of sight.
- As a wildlife crossing, it will enhance environmental connectivity for a wide range of species along the Blyth Brook habitat area and reduce wildlife car collisions.
- The legacy of this project will continue to benefit future generations.
- With the restoration of the Maitland River bridge at Auburn, the Blyth to Goderich connection will offer 1-hour cycling, barrier-free passage.
Sponsorship Options
Contribution Levels:
- Exclusive Name sponsor of the Rd 25 Tunnel
- Inclusivity sponsors
- Champions – $2,500
- Builders – $1,000
Our team leaders invite you to call for a personal consultation on how we can most effectively ‘move the needle’ on this exciting community project.
Julie Sawchuk: 519-525-5310 julie@juliesawchuk.ca
David Sparling: dsparling@g2grailtrail.com
Chris Watson: cwatson@g2grailtrail.com
Chris Lee: 519 902 2946 chris@g2grailtrail.com
Len Jewitt: 519 404 4311 len@g2grailtrail.com