The beloved SteamRanger Heritage Railway linking the southern Fleurieu and the Adelaide Hills can remain on track, now an upgrade to the Middleton Bridge is complete.

The upgrade was officially opened on Monday 29 October with a ceremony at the Victor Harbor Railways Station, following a train trip from Mount Barker.

The Master of Ceremonies was Channel 9 newsreader Brenton Ragless, and the opening was conducted by Senator Anne Ruston.

Guests also included Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, Member for Finniss David Basham, and the mayors of the City of Victor Harbor, Moira Jenkins; Alexandrina Council, Keith Parkes; and Mount Barker District Council, Ann Ferguson.

The $200,000 upgrade was funded by the Federal Government.

Anne Ruston described the railway as an “icon” and has fond memories of riding on StreamRanger as a child.

Rebekha Sharkie congratulated the many dedicated volunteers from SteamRanger, who were the drivers behind this upgrade.

David Basham also announced a state government contribution towards a structural analysis of the Hindmarsh River bridge in readiness for some repairs to the bridge, as well as $785,400 to be spent on level crossing protection along the railway line at the S-bend and Canoe Tree crossings on Alexandrina Road.

SteamRanger Heritage Railway operates heritage steam and diesel-powered tourist trains between Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, up over the crest of the of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges, down to Strathalbyn and on through the towns of Goolwa and Port Elliot to Victor Harbor.

Trains operate on up to 140 days a year and are manned by volunteers, who are responsible for maintenance of the rail line and the heritage locomotives and carriages.

For information and train schedules, visit https://www.steamrangerheritagerailway.org