Main Southern railway line, New South Wales

Last updated

Main Southern Line
New Binalong station.jpg
New Binalong railway station on 1916 deviation
Overview
StatusOpen
Termini
Continues from Main Suburban railway line
Continues as North East railway line
Stations46 open
History
Commenced1855
Completed1881
Technical
Line length650 km (400 mi)
Number of tracks2 (Lidcombe-Junee) 1 (Junee-Albury)
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)
Electrification 1500 V DC Overhead catenary as far as Macarthur
Route map

Contents

km
km
from Central
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BSicon STR+c2.svg
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BSicon ABZg3.svg
BSicon STR.svg
BSicon STR2+1.svg
BSicon STR2+l-.svg
BSicon STR2.svg
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BSicon STRc34.svg
BSicon UWu2.svg
BSicon STR2.svg
BSicon STR3.svg
BSicon STRc12.svg
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Lidcombe
16.61
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BSicon KRW+r.svg
BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon LSTR.svg
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18.36
Berala
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BSicon dSTR.svg
19.86
Regents Park
Granville
21.22
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BSicon STR.svg
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BSicon POINTER3.svg
BSicon dCONTgq.svg
BSicon ABZgr+r.svg
BSicon ABZgl+l.svg
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BSicon cSTRc2.svg
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Merrylands
23.47
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21.19
Sefton
Guildford
25.72
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BSicon vHST-STR.svg
22.31
Chester Hill
Yennora
27.44
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BSicon vHST-STR.svg
23.67
Leightonfield
Fairfield
29.00
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BSicon vHST-STR.svg
24.50
Villawood
Canley Vale
30.98
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BSicon vHST-STR.svg
25.89
Carramar
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BSicon POINTERg@f.svg
BSicon STR~L.svg
BSicon KRWg+r.svg
BSicon STR~R.svg
Cabramatta
28.43
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BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon STR~L.svg
BSicon eABZgl.svg
BSicon STR~R.svg
BSicon exCONTf@Fq.svg
Warwick Farm
34.16
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BSicon STR~L.svg
BSicon eABZgl.svg
BSicon STR~R.svg
BSicon exCONTf@Fq.svg
Liverpool
35.68
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Casula
38.80
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BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon lMKRZ3+1u~F.svg
BSicon STR3~L.svg
BSicon STR.svg
BSicon STRl+4h.svg
BSicon lCONTf@Fq.svg
BSicon STR3~R.svg
BSicon STR+1~L.svg
BSicon lMKRZ3+1u~G.svg
BSicon STR+1~R.svg
BSicon ABZg+l.svg
BSicon cSTRq.svg
BSicon CONTfq.svg
BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon dINTACC.svg
41.93
Glenfield
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BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon ldMKRZu.svg
BSicon cSTRq.svg
BSicon ABZgr.svg
BSicon vSTR-HST.svg
43.80
Macquarie Fields
BSicon vSTR-eHST.svg
44.14
Bumberry Junction
BSicon vSTR-HSTACC.svg
45.65
Ingleburn
BSicon vSTR-HSTACC.svg
49.67
Minto
BSicon vSTR-HSTACC.svg
52.63
Leumeah
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BSicon dACC.svg
54.71
Campbelltown
BSicon dSTR.svg
BSicon dACC.svg
56.58
Macarthur
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limit of electrification &
suburban passenger
Glenlee colliery line
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services
 
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60.71
Glenlee
BSicon HST.svg
62.85
Menangle Park
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63.95
North Menangle
BSicon hbKRZWae.svg
BSicon HST.svg
65.33
Menangle
BSicon HST.svg
73.32
Douglas Park
BSicon eABZgl.svg
BSicon exCONTfq.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
82.50
Maldon
BSicon HSTACC.svg
85.25
Picton
BSicon hbKRZWae.svg
BSicon STRc2.svg
BSicon POINTERf@f.svg
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Picton Junction
Thirlmere
92.40
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BSicon STR+c4.svg
Couridjah
96.10
BSicon HST.svg
BSicon HST.svg
94.49
Tahmoor
Buxton
99.07
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Balmoral
105.15
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BSicon HST.svg
102.87
Bargo
Hill Top
111.58
BSicon exHST.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
109.10
Yanderra
Colo Vale
117.60
BSicon exHST.svg
BSicon HST.svg
116.31
Yerrinbool
Braemar
122.48
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BSicon eHST.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
125.60
Aylmerton
Bradken rolling
stock works
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BSicon STR+c3.svg
BSicon STRc1.svg
BSicon POINTERg@g.svg
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Mittagong Junction
BSicon HSTACC.svg
131.57
Mittagong
Box Vale colliery
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BSicon eABZgr.svg
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136.34
Bowral
BSicon HST.svg
138.84
Burradoo
BSicon eHST.svg
143.00
Bong Bong
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BSicon ABZg+r.svg
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BSicon CONTfq.svg
BSicon BHF.svg
145.71
Moss Vale
BSicon eHST.svg
151.30
Werai
BSicon HST.svg
155.88
Exeter
BSicon HST.svg
162.26
Bundanoon
BSicon HST.svg
171.40
Penrose
BSicon HST.svg
177.14
Wingello
BSicon HST.svg
185.38
Tallong
BSicon ABZgl.svg
BSicon KBSTeq.svg
Medway Quarry line
BSicon HSTACC.svg
192.91
Marulan
BSicon eHST.svg
205.02
Carrick
BSicon eHST.svg
208.52
Towrang
BSicon eHST.svg
216.43
Murrays Flats
BSicon eHST.svg
222.46
North Goulburn
BSicon exCONTgq.svg
BSicon eABZg+r.svg
BSicon ACC.svg
224.90
Goulburn
BSicon ABZgl.svg
BSicon CONTfq.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
234.90
Yarra
BSicon eHST.svg
247.90
Breadalbane
BSicon eHST.svg
256.30
Cullerin
BSicon eHST.svg
271.02
Fish River
BSicon HST.svg
278.60
Gunning
BSicon eHST.svg
287.90
Oolong
BSicon eHST.svg
297.70
Jerrawa
BSicon eHST.svg
309.90
Coolalie
BSicon HST.svg
318.01
Yass Junction
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Yass Town line
BSicon eHST.svg
329.30
Bowning
BSicon eHST.svg
339.90
Goondah
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BSicon ueABZgl.svg
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Burrinjuck tramway
BSicon eHST.svg
Illalong Creek
BSicon eHST.svg
354.10
Binalong
BSicon eHST.svg
365.20
Galong
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BSicon eABZgr.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
371.70
Rocky Ponds
BSicon eHST.svg
380.90
Cunningar
BSicon HST.svg
385.40
Harden
BSicon eHST.svg
388.70
Murrumburrah
BSicon eHST.svg
391.60
Demondrille
BSicon CONTgq.svg
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BSicon eHST.svg
401.64
Nubba
BSicon eHST.svg
407.20
Wallendbeen
BSicon eHST.svg
413.10
Morrisons Hill
BSicon eHST.svg
420.20
Jindalee
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429.65
Cootamundra
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services
 
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445.13
Frampton
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456.01
Bethungra
BSicon eHST.svg
468.47
Illabo
BSicon eHST.svg
477.89
Marinna
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485.67
Junee
BSicon eHST.svg
487.91
Junee Racecourse
BSicon eHST.svg
497.61
Harefield
BSicon eHST.svg
504.64
Shepherds
BSicon eHST.svg
513.69
Bomen
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521.40
Wagga Wagga
BSicon eHST.svg
529.41
Kapooka
BSicon eHST.svg
535.72
Uranquinty
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BSicon eABZgr.svg
BSicon eHST.svg
541.37
Bon Accord
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BSicon HST.svg
550.29
The Rock
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BSicon eHST.svg
565.09
Yerong Creek
BSicon exCONTgq.svg
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BSicon HSTACC.svg
580.29
Henty
BSicon HSTACC.svg
596.82
Culcairn
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Billabong Creek
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BSicon eHST.svg
616.37
Gerogery
BSicon eHST.svg
631.10
Table Top
BSicon eHST.svg
637.26
Ettamogah
BSicon eHST.svg
642.35
Albury Racecourse
BSicon ACC.svg
646.24
Albury
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The Main Southern Railway is a major railway in New South Wales, Australia. It runs from Sydney to Albury, near the Victorian border. The line passes through the Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Riverina regions.

Description of route

The Main Southern Railway commences as an electrified pair of tracks in the Sydney metropolitan area. Since 1924, the line branches from the Main Suburban railway line at Lidcombe and runs via Regents Park to Cabramatta, where it rejoins the original route from Granville. The line then heads towards Campbelltown and Macarthur, the current limit of electrification and suburban passenger services. The electrification previously extended to Glenlee Colliery, but this was removed following the cessation of electric haulage of freight trains in the 1990s.

The line continues as a double non-electrified track south through the Southern Highlands towns of Mittagong and Goulburn to Junee on the Southern Plains. Here the line becomes single track for the remainder of its journey south to the state border with Victoria at Albury. The North East railway line then continues through northern Victoria to Melbourne.

There are six tunnels on the line: the Picton tunnel, [1] the Yerrinbool tunnel, [2] the Aylmerton tunnel, [3] the Gib (Mt Gibraltar) tunnel, [4] and the two "up" track tunnels in the Bethungra Spiral.

The line north of Macarthur is maintained by Transport Asset Holding Entity. South of Macarthur the line is leased to the Australian Rail Track Corporation until 2064. [5] [6]

Though the bulk of the line has a maximum gradient of 1.5%, the ruling grade of the line is 2.5% due to short, steep sections of track, E.g. 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from Murrumburruh to Demondrille (in the direction of Albury) and 0.5 km (0.31 mi) of track 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Junee in the direction of Sydney. [7]

Development of the line

On 26 September 1855, the first railway in New South Wales, the Sydney to Granville railway opened. Exactly a year later, a branch was opened from what was known as Parramatta Junction (the present day Granville) to Liverpool.

Parramatta Junction (Granville) to Liverpool

The Liverpool line extension commenced from Parramatta Junction (now Granville) and was constructed by Mr. W Randle. [8] The turning of the first sod occurring 20 November 1855. [9]

The line was constructed as a single track of 8.5 miles (13.7 km) in length laid with double-headed rails of 75lb (34 kg) per yard and with fish joints. The total construction cost was placed at £120,040 4s. 11d. [10]

The railway was officially opened 18 August 1856 as a result of the inspection of the line by the Governor General. [11] The press attending the inspection also noted, "the country [the railway] traverses offers great facilities for railway continuation, being for the most part level and even." [12]

The building of the railway wasn't without incident as on 16 August 1856, a man died as a result of a derailment. The guard on the front of the train noted, "a plank lying across the rails near where [a fencer] was working." [13]

The Parramatta Junction (Granville) – Liverpool line was opened to the public 1 September 1856. [14]

Liverpool to Campbelltown

The Cumberland County was a large producer of agricultural products such as wheat, maize, beef, and wool. This, combined with an approximate 10,000 passengers travelling between Sydney and Campbelltown in 1846, [15] and community support, [16] [17] provided impetus for the construction of a railway line from Sydney to Campbelltown at the earliest possible opportunity.

On 29 October 1856, it was announced that the Great Southern Railway was to be extended [single line] from Liverpool to Campbelltown [18] with the stations between Liverpool and Campbelltown yet to be determined [19] although, "every landholder on the line is quite prepared to prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that the proper place for a station is on his property." [20]

Owing to financial difficulties, turnover of skilled specialist, and several gold rushes depriving the company of labour, preparations for the construction of a railway reaching Campbelltown didn't commence until 1857 via the issue of a notice from the Commissioner of Railways. [21] In the meantime, the plans and estimates (at approximately £11,500 per mile) for the line were completed and sent to the Colonial Secretary in August 1856. [22] These plans and estimates were considered to be, "in such a state of forwardness, that they may be contracted for at once". [23]

As per the notice, the line was to commence from the south end of Liverpool Railway Station, "and extend thence for twelve miles eight chains, or thereabouts, in a south-westerly direction, through the parishes of Saint Luke, Minto, and Saint Peter, to the Town of Campbelltown, and ending at the south fence of a lane on the property of Charles Morris..." [21] The line was to not exceed a gradient of 1 in 100 and the smallest radius of a curve being 30 chains. [24] The railway is to be, "a single line throughout, laid with the double-headed rail, 75lbs to the yard, on cross sleepers, with chairs, and fish jointed." [24]

On 25 April 1857, the tender for the first four miles of the extension [25] was won by a Mr. W. Randle [26] with the fencing and timber for the extension being awarded to Messrs. Scott and Jolly on 27 April 1857. [27] Scott and Jolly had constructed a large sawmill at Cabramatta and sourced wood (primarily Ironbark) from the nearby forest. This wood was used for the sleepers on the extension. [28]

On 7 May 1857, construction began with, "the first turf of the railway in extension of the great Southern Railway from Liverpool to Campbelltown, was turned (. . .) without any particular ceremony." [29]

Randle, having been able to keep to the scheduled completion date of 1 September, offered to continue the construction of the line through to Campbelltown at the same cost per mile. However, the commissioners, "declined to accept it, having determined to advertise for tenders for each portion separately". [30]

Initially, a Mr. Hall had won the tender for the remaining distance to Campbelltown, but through some arrangement (nefarious or otherwise), Randle had been announced as the winner of the tender. It was also revealed that Randle had won the tender at a higher price than that which Randle had initially offered. [31]

Progress continued to be made for the extension to Campbelltown [32] (plus an extension beyond to Goulburn [33] ) and by August 1857, construction of the line had progressed significantly; telegraph poles had been delivered alongside the proposed railway line through Campbelltown in preparation for its construction. [34] These telegraph poles would later form part of the Sydney-Albury telegraph line. [35]

On 29 August 1857, it was reported that the construction of the railway was advancing rapidly and that, "...there are a great many men already at work clearing the most woody portion of the line, about four miles from here, the real track is now easily to be traced by the formidable looking posts erected for the electric telegraph." [36]

Even prior to the opening of the extension, land values surrounding the railway corridor was noted to have increased by 250 percent, [37] and the anticipation of the opening was growing. [38] [39]

On 17 April 1858, a navvy (by the name of "Romilly") working on the construction of the extension was killed when, "a truck of sleepers passing along the rail by mischance overturned upon the unfortunate man. He was picked up senseless, and at once conveyed to the Liverpool Hospital, where it was found that life was quite extinct." [40]

Finally, 29 April 1858 saw the first train arrived within one hundred yards of Campbelltown Railway Station. This train carried the Commissioner of Railways (Captain Ben Martindale), [41] Chief Engineer (John Whitton), and staff of the railway office. They then inspected the buildings and subsequently boarded the train to return to Sydney. [42]

The Liverpool – Campbelltown railway line was opened 4 May 1858. [43]

Campbelltown to Menangle

The construction of the railway to Goulburn was always going to extend beyond Campbelltown. But the path for the extensions considered multiple options (including Menangle) [44] while also explicitly excluding a path aligning with the dreaded Razorback road. [45] The survey of multiple options at the time were considered prudent as, "The expense and trouble of such survey of (...) lines would be trifling, as compared with the survey of the Eastern line." [46]

As early as 29 April 1846, the path of the Great Southern Railway was to cross through the parish of Menangle. In January 1852, surveyors were dispatched to commence the first of multiple surveys of a line towards Goulburn with the first section being, "the line running by Menangle, between Campbell Town and Myrtle Creek." [47] Myrtle Creek was the former name of Tahmoor. Another survey was conducted at the direction of Gother K. Mann, Chief Commissioner of Sydney, and Hunter River Railways. [48] Moving traffic from the Southern Road and onto rail was a primary motivator for making the line profitable. [49]

Delays in the survey were causing some frustration within the Legislative Assembly. The Commissioner stated that the extension to Campbelltown and then onto Menangle would, "have intercepted the traffic of the Southern Road, and made the present lines remunerative. The Government would thus have been placed in possession of information that would have fully determined the question of railway extension as applicable to the present wants of the colony." [50]

Despite delays, and even before the government had announced the exact path of the line, anticipation for it could be seen in advertising of property and housing near Menangle. [51] However, there were some rumblings within the community about the priority of the line over other lines such as the one to Windsor, Penrith, and Singleton. [52] [53]

On 16 November 1857, the government projected the cost and constraints for the line to, "not exceed £10,000 per mile; the worst gradient being 1 in 80, and the smallest radius of a curve 40 chains." [54]

Proclamation of the line was made 4 November 1858 and published the following day as, "to make and complete that portion of the Great Southern Railway, commencing near to the Campbelltown Station, in the parish of St Peter, and county of Cumberland, at a point marked A on the proclaimed Plan, and terminating near to the Nepean River, at a point marked B on the proclaimed Plan, in the parish of Menangle, and county of Cumberland, being a distance of five miles and sixty chains." [55]

In April 1859, Peto, Brassey & Betts, represented by their agent, Alexander Rhodes, signed a contract with the government for the extension of multiple lines in the colony. [56] This included the line from Campbelltown to Menangle. Rhodes had arrived from England as an agent of Peto, Brassey & Betts for the execution of the contract. This contract was exempt from the rules of public competition as the government felt there was no suitable contractor available to complete the work. The existing contractors were either unreliable, not going to submit a proposal, or unable to complete the contract. [56]

By July 1859, construction "begins to exhibit considerable progress in the cuttings and embankments". [57] And by August 1859, Rhodes had made significant progress on the extensions. Two thirds of the works had been finished with a third of this ready for the laying of the ballast and rails. [58] The progress was characterised as being constructed, "with the energy and admirable system; which have characterised the operations of these eminent contractors in various parts of the world". [59]

On 12 November 1859, the progress of construction was reported to be well advanced with considerable earthworks, wooden bridges, several culverts and under bridges having been completed. The work was described as being, "in a very forward state, and will, if it receives the same amount of labour that has hitherto been bestowed upon it, soon be ready for the permanent way". [60]

However, Rhodes was feeling the pressure of delivery on time. Rhodes criticised the Engineer-in-Chief of withholding rails and expressed, "remonstrances [...] that the timber bridges proposed for the lines would not be sufficiently strong for the traffic they would have to carry." [61] It did not help Rhodes' cause that a number of men working on the project had left to assist with the harvest of nearby farms. But, at the same time, it was noted that brickmaking and other works were continuing in their absence. [62]

By 13 March 1860, the progress of the extension was characterised as, "generally a forward aspect, and, with the exception of the bridge over the Nepean, that portion of the line might be completed within four months." [63]

It was reported in the same month that the earthworks for the laying of the line had been completed for some time. A description of the line was published as, "Starting from Campbelltown, the country being for some distance tolerably level, the line is carried along a low embankment, and for nearly two miles keeps within sight of the road. About three-quarters of a mile beyond Campbelltown, the old Southern Road through Camden and the new one through Menangle unite; the line crosses the former road a few yards beyond its junction with the latter; being slightly above the level of the road, the road has been raised for a level crossing. The formation of the line as far as the Camden road has for a long time been finished, and is ready for the ballasting and permanent way; and temporary rails have been laid down for the convenience of the contractors." [64]

It is at this time, with the line ready for laying, the viaduct crossing the formidable Nepean River was the main obstacle to the completion of the line into Menangle. Flooding from the river had recently destroyed some embankments and carried off some sleepers but no injuries were reports. [64]

South of the Nepean River, the line resumes along a high embankment and passes by, "a cluster of houses known as Riversford, the residents in which are chiefly cultivators of the rich agricultural land through which the line runs for some distance, and which is the property of Messrs. Macarthur." [64]

The government and Rhodes were often arguing over the cost and delays in completing the contract. [65] In March 1860, in a review of the contract for the construction of the line, Rhodes submitted their version to the Legislative Assembly of events leading up to the signing, and execution, of the contract . Rhodes explained the history of the engagement of Peto, Brassey & Betts and of Rhodes' arrival to the colony to execute on the contract. Rhodes then proceeds to list the issues encountered and the concerns expressed to the government in great detail. [56]

By this time, the government had lost faith in Rhodes and had written to Peto, Brassey & Betts to have Rhodes recalled to England. The government also informed Rhodes that Peto, Brassey & Betts would not be considered for any future contracts. It is possible there may have been a personal and/or professional conflict between the Chief Commissioner, Captain Martindale and the Executive Government, and Rhodes. [66] [67] On 20 June 1860, Rhodes subsequently acknowledged this loss of faith by the government. [68]

On 23 October 1861, it was reported that the line is being ballasted in a number of places between Campbelltown and Picton with the permanent way being laid between Campbelltown and Menangle. The work was predicted to be completed well before the contracted time of 1 January 1863. [69]

The completion of the line, except for the viaduct, was nearing, with ongoing ballasting and the laying of the permanent way to be completed. The extension from Campbelltown to within a few metres of the bridge was to be completed within a few days, "but no arrangements are being made for opening the line". [70]

At the northern end of the river, a platform was constructed at a terminus of the line to allow passengers to board and alight from the train. This terminus was only temporary as, "the permanent Menangle Station is to be ready a mile further on the south side of the Nepean." [71]

The extension from Campbelltown to the temporary terminus was opened for traffic on 1 September 1862. [72]

The opening of the line attracted dignitaries from the colony. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Young, plus others accompanied the Minister for Works to the site. The viceregal party arrived at the temporary terminus and Mr Willcox then "showed and explained the works". [73]

The complete opening of the line to Menangle was unexpectedly delayed due to the loss of the ship containing the iron girders for the northern span of the bridge. [74]

Menangle to Douglas Park

On 26 July 1859, the proclamation for the section of the line from Menangle to Douglas park (sometimes referred to as "Douglass Park") was made. [75] This was to be part of the extension of the Great Southern Railway from Campbelltown through to Picton and was to extend the line 6 miles and 42 links (9.5km) from Menangle. [76]

A small ceremony was held where the first sod for the extensions was at Douglas Park 2 August 1859. It was attended by Peto, Brassey, and Betts, several contractors, and Miss Douglass, the daughter of the Hon G Douglass, M.L.C.

Upon the turning of the sod, "three cheers were then given for the Queen, three for success to railways, and three for the contractors, which, being suitably acknowledged, the company partook of a well-served collation, and left highly pleased with their visit." [77]

By 12 November 1859, progress was reported on as being, "not so forward as on this side [from Campbelltown to Menangle]" [78] but steadily progressing. Progress continued to be slow through the first half of 1860 due to the need for heavy works at Douglas Park and Spaniards Hill. [79] [80] This slow progress and ongoing disputes between Rhodes and the government was to be the overarching theme of the construction for the year. [81] The nature of the dispute was what was considered shale (included as "earthworks" in the contract), and rock (not included in the contract). [82]

On 1 July 1863, the railway to Douglas Park was opened as part of the opening of the line to Picton. [83]

Douglas Park to Picton

The proclamation for the extension of the railway to Picton was made 9 August 1859. [84]

The completion of the Menangle viaduct, on 1 July 1863, allowed for the opening of the entire line between Campbelltown and Picton. Prior to its opening, on 29 June 1863, his Excellency Sir John Young and Lady Young were accompanied by other colonial dignitaries to visit Picton prior to the opening of the line. The party crossed the viaduct to Picton, had lunch, and returned again across the viaduct to Sydney.

On the day of the opening, a "sumptuous banquet" was put on by Samuel Wilcox Esq. for the men who had been employed on the works. The banquet was situated to the right of the station near the road with a, "marquee, with long tables, and capable of seating three hundred persons, and in an adjacent paddock were congregated the German band and numerous groups of navvies and their friends and spectators." [85]

Picton to Nattai (Mittagong)

On 5 April 1855, a letter to the editor was published in the Sydney Morning Herald that proposed building a railway to the Fitzroy Ironworks and Coal Company in Nattai. [86] It wasn't until 26 July 1862 that tenders to supply for the extension were first invited. [87]

In September 1862, work commenced on the extension. [88] The 30 mile (48km) extension from Picton to Nattai extension included the need for heavy earthworks, crossing several Nattai River tributaries and requiring, "four or five large viaducts, the longest of which will be about three hundred feet in length." [89]

Many issues relating to the contractors resulted in multiple delays to construction. [90] [91] [92] [93] However, upon resolution, work progressed steadily. It was noted that, "it is felt, however, that any more than ordinary energy of action would tend to raise labour rates, and this, the process at which contracts have been taken, will not admit of." [94]

By 24 February 1864, positive progress was being reported with the bridge piers and abutments at Stonequarry Creek completed. Progress was expected to be, "pushed on more rapidly upon the completion of four steam cranes, two locomotives, and other machinery, which are being made for the contractors and the use of which will greatly facilitate the execution of the works." [95] Subsequently, steady progress was reported for the remainder of 1864 and 1865 [96] [97] [98] and by November 1865, rails were being delivered to Picton for laying on the freshly ballasted permanent way. [99] However, the final section to the Fitzroy Ironworks required heavy earthworks, "the execution of which will delay for many months the opening of the railway to Mittagong." [100]

With construction nearing completion, a journalist, Mr. Waverley, from the Sydney Morning Herald visited the extension describing the journey from Picton to Nattai as passing through several cuttings, embankments, and crossing the Great Southern Road near the Industrial School. At this time, the proposed station at Mittagong had not yet been built. [101]

On 22 February 1867, the official opening of the extension was announced by the Commissioner for Railways. It was to take place on 28 February 1863 and then, "be opened for public traffic on the first (1st) proximo [1 March 1867]." [102]

The opening of the extension was reported as, "so important to the welfare of the district [that it] could not be permitted to transpire without attracting to the scene the inhabitants of Mittagong, Bong Bong, Wingecarribee, and Sutton Forest." [103]

A special train, arranged for the occasion, left the Redfern Terminus at 10am and arrived at Mittagong at 1:30pm. [104] Upon arrival, guests and dignitaries were served lunch in marquees plus a separate, grander marquee, "In which two hundred navvies with many of their wives and families, were being treated to a sumptuous and substantial dinner of roast beef plum pudding, and English ale." [105]

The Picton – Mittagong railway line was opened for public traffic 1 March 1867. [106]

Continued extensions

This line was extended to Goulburn in 1869, Yass Junction in 1876, Galong, Harden-Murrumburrah and Cootamundra in 1877 and Junee and Bomen (on the north bank of the Murrumbidgee River) in 1878. The Murrumbidgee River Railway Bridge was completed in 1881 [107] and the line was extended to Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, The Rock, Henty and Albury in 1881. [108] [109] Victorian Railways' North East 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge line was extended from Wodonga to Albury in 1883. [110] To accommodate the break of gauge, a very long railway platform was built, the covered platform being one of the longest in Australia.

The original alignment was built under the supervision of John Whitton, Engineer-in-Charge for the New South Wales Government Railways from 1856 to 1898. [111]

Main Southern railway line, New South Wales
The two main sections of the line that were deviated; the Old Main South line (in blue) and the Picton - Mittagong Loop line (in purple)

The original single track was duplicated from Granville to Liverpool in 1857, [112] to Campbelltown in 1891, [113] to Picton in 1892. [114] Between 1913 and 1922 the 343 km (213 mi) section from Picton to Cootamundra was duplicated. [115] At the same time, the section between Picton and Mittagong was deviated by a less direct route in 1919 to ease the steep grades of the original alignment, and the old line became known as the Picton – Mittagong loop railway line which is now largely closed. (The Main Southern Railway Deviation, was estimated in the 1914 Act of Parliament to have construction costs of £630,353). [116] Other sections of the original Whitton alignment between Goulburn and Wagga Wagga were also replaced by more curvy sections with lower grades. The section between Granville and Cabramatta via Fairfield was bypassed with a more direct route from Lidcombe via Regents Park in 1924. The former route through Fairfield became known as the Old Main South. The section from Cootamundra to Junee, including a rail spiral at Bethungra, was duplicated between 1941 and 1945. [117] [118]

Construction of a standard gauge track parallel with the broad gauge track from Albury to Melbourne commenced in 1959, completing the Sydney-Melbourne railway. [119] The first freight train operated on the line on 3 January 1962, followed by the first passenger train on 16 April 1962. [119]

The original wrought iron Murrumbidgee River Railway Bridge at Wagga Wagga was replaced in 2007 by a new concrete and steel bridge. [120] [121]

The main line south of Junee was substantially upgraded in 2007 and 2008, including the construction of passing loops up to 7 km (4.3 mi). [122]

Redbank Tunnel near Tahmoor closed on 30 November 2012 when replaced by a deviation funded by Xstrata to allow expansion of its Tahmoor Colliery under the tunnel which was sealed. [123] [124]

In January 2013, the Australian Rail Track Corporation opened the Southern Sydney Freight Line between Sefton and Macarthur as a dedicated line for freight services.

Branches

The Rock station The rock nsw02.jpg
The Rock station
Cootamundra station Cootamundra Railway Station.jpg
Cootamundra station

Several lines branched from the Main South, some of which are closed either fully or in part:

Passenger services

Commuter services

Sydney Trains operates electric commuter passenger trains between Sydney and Macarthur. The section between Macarthur and Glenfield is operated as part of the T8 Airport & South Line, the section between Glenfield and Granville along the Old Main South line is operated as part of the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, and the section between Liverpool and Lidcombe via Regents Park is operated as part of the T3 Bankstown Line.

NSW TrainLink diesel railcars operate south from Campbelltown to Goulburn on an irregular frequency as part of the Southern Highlands Line.

Country services

Prior to 1962, travelling south of Albury into Victoria required a change of trains (due to gauge differences between NSW and Victoria) and often an overnight stay. From March 1956, a daylight connection was introduced between Sydney and Melbourne whereby a train from Sydney connected at Albury with a train to Melbourne and vice versa. In 1962, an additional Standard Gauge track was built from Albury to Melbourne alongside the existing Broad Gauge line, allowing through operation of trains between Sydney and Melbourne. Between April 1962 and August 1991, the Main South was served by the Intercapital Daylight , a locomotive hauled limited stop passenger train. It was operated jointly by the New South Wales Government Railways and the Victorian Railways with the former's air-conditioned rolling stock. Two overnight services also ran, the limited stops Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress . Until 1982, locomotives were exchanged at Albury for a locomotive of the respective state that the train was entering.

The South Mail operated overnight between Sydney and Albury until it ceased in June 1985. In August 1986, the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress were merged into the Sydney/Melbourne Express . In August 1991, airline deregulation and falling patronage saw the Intercapital Daylight replaced by a coach service between Melbourne and Albury, connecting with the Riverina XPT at Albury. In November 1993 the delivery of additional XPT rollingstock saw the introduction of a through overnight XPT service between Sydney and Melbourne, replacing the Sydney/Melbourne Express, and the Riverina XPT extended to Melbourne from December 1994. [155]

In 2013, with the upgrading of the East Hills line, regional trains heading southwest to Canberra, Griffith and Melbourne from Sydney Central began to use that line to travel through metropolitan Sydney, instead of the Main Southern line through Strathfield railway station. [156]

As at October 2019, NSW TrainLink services operated on the Main South line were: [157]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in New South Wales</span> Railway network in New South Wales, Australia

The Australian state of New South Wales has an extensive network of railways, which were integral to the growth and development of the state. The vast majority of railway lines were government built and operated, but there were also several private railways, some of which operate to this day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Campbelltown railway station</span> Railway station in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macarthur railway station</span> Railway station in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Macarthur railway station is located on the Main Southern line, serving the Sydney suburb of Campbelltown. It is served by Sydney Trains T8 Airport & South and NSW TrainLink Southern Highlands Line services. It is the southern extremity of the electrified Sydney Trains network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Highlands Line</span> Rail service in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menangle Park railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menangle railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Menangle railway station is a heritage-listed railway station located on the Main Southern line in the south-western Sydney settlement of Menangle in the Wollondilly Shire local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Menangle Railway Station group. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The station opened on 1 July 1863.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas Park railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Picton railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Picton railway station is a heritage-listed railway station located on the Main Southern line in the south-western Sydney suburb of Picton in the Wollondilly Shire local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1863 to 1919. It is also known as the Picton Railway Station group. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The station opened on 1 July 1869. The station is unusually sited, with southbound journeys actually heading north out of the station before traversing a 225 degree horseshoe curve to again head south, and likewise northbound services heading south before rounding a number of curves to resume their true direction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bargo railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Bargo railway station is located on the Main Southern line in New South Wales, Australia. It serves the town of Bargo, opening on 13 July 1919 as West Bargo at the same time as a new alignment between Picton and Mittagong. It was renamed Bargo on 1 November 1921.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yerrinbool railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Yerrinbool railway station is located on the Main Southern line in New South Wales, Australia. It serves the town of Yerrinbool, opening on 13 July 1919 at the same time as a new alignment between Picton and Mittagong. In March 1991, the weatherboard building on Platform 1 was demolished.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bowral railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penrose railway station, New South Wales</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goulburn railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Goulburn railway station is a heritage-listed railway station on the Main Southern line in New South Wales, Australia. Opened on 19 May 1869, it serves the city of Goulburn. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wagga Wagga railway station</span> Railway station in New South Wales, Australia

Wagga Wagga railway station is a railway station open for passenger services on the Main Southern line connecting Sydney and Melbourne. It has been heritage-listed, especially on account of its historical and architectural significance. A museum is on the premises. As of 2021, two daily passenger trains in each direction served the City of Wagga Wagga.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corowa railway line</span> Closed railway line in New South Wales, Australia

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taralga railway line</span> Former railway line in New South Wales

The Taralga railway line is a disused branch railway line in the south of New South Wales, Australia. The line commenced at a junction with the Goulburn to Crookwell line at Roslyn station and ran for a distance of 25.30 km (15.72 mi) to the small town of Taralga. The line operated between 1926 and 1957 and is one of few lines in New South Wales that has been formally closed by an Act of Parliament. Today all track has been lifted and little trace remains of the infrastructure associated with the line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NSW TrainLink</span> Operator of passenger rail services in New South Wales

NSW TrainLink is a train and coach operator in Australia, providing services throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, along with limited interstate services into Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Its primary intercity and regional services are spread throughout five major rail lines, operating out of Sydney's Central railway station.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nepean River railway bridge, Menangle</span> Bridge in New South Wales, Australia

The Nepean River railway bridge is a heritage-listed railway bridge that carries the Main Southern railway line across Menangle Road and the Nepean River located at the outer south-western Sydney settlement of Menangle in the Wollondilly Shire local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by John Whitton as the Engineer-in-Chief, of the New South Wales Government Railways and NSW Department of Public Works. The railway bridge was built in 1863 by Messers Peto, Brassey and Betts. It is also known as Menangle rail bridge over Nepean River and Menangle Railway Bridge. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stonequarry Creek railway viaduct, Picton</span> Bridge in New South Wales, Australia

Stonequarry Creek railway viaduct is a heritage-listed railway viaduct over the Stonequarry Creek located on the Main Southern railway in the south-western Sydney town of Picton in the Wollondilly Shire local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by John Whitton as the Engineer-in-Chief for Railways and was built from 1863 to 1867 by Murnin and Brown. It is also known as Stonequarry Creek Railway Viaduct and Picton railway viaduct over Stonequarry Creek. The property is owned by Transport Asset Holding Entity, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

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