Since 2004, the branch rail corridor has been used as a walkway.
OnTrack's informal approval for that could end with three months' notice.
That was in an agreement drafted - but never finalised - with the Weston Progress League, because of complaints about the rail corridor being used as a race track by cars and motorcycles.
Yesterday, at a Waitaki District Council hearing on designating the railway line for use by the proposed Holcim Ltd cement plant, Holcim legal counsel Peter Christensen said the company would work with the Waitaki District Council on a new walkway, contributing up to $300,000.
OnTrack's southern service manager Neil Campbell recognised the public benefits of the walkway.
"The public have had the benefit of a pleasant walkway while OnTrack has had assistance in having its corridor looked after by the residents of Weston," he said.
The walkway could not be used for safety reasons if the line was reinstated.
He promised OnTrack would assist the community to find an alternative, including railway land. where that was safe and practicable.
Holcim had proposed, subject to safety and funding, an alternative walkway.
From Saleyards Rd to Whiterocks Rd, part of the walkway would be constructed to the northeast of the roadway, separated by a grass berm. From Whiterocks Rd to Kia Ora Rd, the walkway would follow either the rail corridor or the road verge.
