Draft:Coolah railway line
| Coolah line | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Status | Closed |
| Termini |
|
| Stations | 7 |
| Service | |
| System | NSW Regional Rail |
| Operator(s) | State Rail Authority |
| History | |
| Opened | 30 March 1920 |
| Closed | 29 January 1986 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 42.47 km (26.39 mi) |
| Number of tracks | 1 |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
The Coolah railway line was a branch railway line in the Warrumbungle Shire of the Orana Region, located in New South Wales, Australia. It branched east towards Coolah from the Gwabegar railway line at Craboon and ran for a length of 42.47 km (26.39 mi). Regular passenger services ran for 55 years,
History
[edit]Construction
[edit]A railway was first proposed to run from Werris Creek to Wellington, passing through the town of Coolah, however the difficulty of the terrain along the route led to the railway proposal being cancelled. A railway line for the area was next proposed in November 1910, and an investigation carried out in April 1911 although this once again resulted in objection.[1]
On 21 December 1915, a line from Craboon to Coolah was approved, with a targeted length of '23 miles 76 chains'. Although the first sod was turned in 1916, construction didn't begin until October 1918.[2]
In mid-1919 the Spanish influenza impacted construction of the railway, with fears that the opening of the line would be indefinitely delayed. Restrictions were placed on indoor gatherings and wearing masks became mandated in order to continue construction.[3]
Opening & Services
[edit]The line officially opened to passenger services on 30 March 1920, with the initial trip from Craboon to Coolah taking 2 hours and 20 minutes.[4] Although the line had opened with six stations, a new station and siding at Girragulang was constructed in November 1920 and opened the next month, to support the export of wheat and lucerne from the local 'Folly' Soldier's Settlement.[5]
Through the 1920s and 1930s, six services were provided between Craboon and Coolah, with request stops at all stations except for Craboon, Leadville and Coolah.[6]
By the late 1960s, two services were provided twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday and were operated by goods trains with passenger capabilities. These services were operated between Mudgee railway station and Coolah, stopping only at Gulgong before reaching Craboon. By this time, Leadville was no longer called at by all trains, as it was a request stop.[7]
Closure
[edit]Regular passenger services ceased in 1975. However, the last train officially ran along the line on 27 February 1982.[8]
Description
[edit]The line ran through relatively flat country, in a generally north western direction from Craboon. During construction, controversy surrounded the final proposed route of the line as it sat on a flood plain. Stations along the line were constructed from either timber planks or concrete, and most were located next to stockyards or adjacent to passing loops.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Proposed Railway from Craboon to Coolah, PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, Legislative Assembly of New South Wales. 1913, accessed 23 October 2024
- ^ [Newsletter]
- ^ [1]
- ^ The Coolah Railway
- ^ Railway News
- ^ 1936 timetable
- ^ 1969 timetable
- ^ Coolah railway line
- ^ [newsletter]
Category:Regional railway lines in New South Wales Category:Standard gauge railways in Australia Category:Railway lines opened in 1920