A rockslide forced the closure of the pioneering link between Bathurst and Hill End known as the Bridle Track in August, 2010.

However, the massive bill carry out repairs to make the route passable again has resulted in the project being put on the backburner by Bathurst Regional Council.

Determined to get damaged sections of the track fixed, a group of residents have formed the Bridle Track Residents Group.

They met with various council representatives recently to discuss the issue, and a number of proposals were put forward aimed at finding a solution to the problem.

A delegates report to council showed that thinking outside the square may be one way of getting the job done. General manager David Sherley noted in his report that one suggestion included asking whether or not the Army would be interested in carrying out the repairs as an exceptional circumstances project.

However, according to city engineer Doug Patterson, major funding would be needed to undertake the repairs needed to clear Monaghan’s Bluff.

“We are continuing to look into this issue, but at this stage we have other priorities for our roads funding,” Mr Patterson said. “The repair bill for the Bridle Track is substantial and at this stage council is not proposing to carry out that work.”

Residents wanting to travel to Hill End can get there by heading out on the Duramana Road, taking the Turondale Road to Sallys Flat and cutting across to Hill End, via Hill End Road, which is now sealed.

An alternative route – Root Hog Road – is being used to enable people travelling from Bathurst to get to the other side of Monaghan’s Bluff without going to Hill End. However, anyone using this route still need a four-wheel drive to get across the river.