Linear Park trail between Underdale and Torrensville still unrepaired 510 days since storm damage

IT has been 510 days since storm damage shut down a popular section of the Linear Park trail between Underdale and Torrensville — and residents are still waiting for the State Government to fix it.

IT has been 510 days since storm damage shut down a popular section of the Linear Park trail between Underdale and Torrensville — and residents are still waiting for the State Government to fix it.

The delay has deprived walkers and cyclists access to about 1km of Adelaide’s best recreational paths, forcing them to take a 15-minute detour through local streets.

Others are so frustrated they have stopped using the trail altogether.

Messenger Newspapers today launches a campaign calling on the State Government and other political parties to commit to a start date to fix the trail before the March 17 state election.

Map showing stretch of Linear Park still closed after storm damage in 2016.

The State Government closed the walking and cycling track between Hardys Rd, Underdale, and Jervois St, Torrensville, on September 8, 2016, after flooding from storms eroded the banks of the River Torrens and uprooted trees. Underdale resident Dianne Tanner, who regularly uses the trail, said the closure was “appalling” and made using Linear Park a “pain”.

“It’s just bloody ridiculous and some have given up completely because of the time it takes,” she said.

West Torrens Council has repeatedly asked the government and SA Water for updates on when the path will reopen.

West Torrens Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis said the State Government was repairing the channel “at a number of locations” following storms in September 2016, but would not set a start date for works between Underdale and Torrensville.

David, Abby, Lisa and Zac Farley standing at a part of the Linear Park walking and cycling path that has been closed since 2016. AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

“The River Torrens water channel is the responsibility of SA water, however the banks and walkways are the responsibility of councils,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“I have had no correspondence from West Torrens Council about this issue and in fact spent considerable time with Cr McKay on Australia Day, but he did not raise this issue with me.

“Our community is better served if we work together, rather than pass the buck.”

A council report tabled at a September West Torrens Council meeting said “high-level preliminary concepts” for the damaged sections of riverbank had been prepared by consultants for SA Water.

The report said the plans were with Cabinet pending approval.

An SA Water spokeswoman said: “Sites are assessed and prioritised for remediation based on safety, volume and frequency of visitors and the likelihood of near-term deterioration.”