Appleby railway station, Tasman District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Appleby
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|---|---|
| New Zealand Government Railways Department regional rail | |
| Location | State Highway 60, Nelson region |
| Coordinates | 41°20′37.72″S 173°9′57.68″E / 41.3438111°S 173.1660222°E |
| Owned by | Railways Department |
| Line(s) | Nelson Section |
| Platforms | None |
| Tracks | 1 main line, 1 siding |
| History | |
| Opened | 1876-01-29 |
| Closed | 1955-09-03 |
The Appleby railway station was a small train station in the Tasman District of New Zealand. It was located between the towns of Richmond and Hope, right on State Highway 60 (also known as Appleby Highway). Even though the actual settlement of Appleby was a bit far away, this station was the closest one to it.
Appleby station was one of 25 stations on the Nelson Section railway line. It served the area for many years, from 1876 until it closed in 1955. The station had a few simple things: a small wooden shelter for passengers, a shed for goods, and an extra track (called a siding) to help move goods.
Building the Station
The very first part of the Nelson Section railway line was built from Stoke to Foxhill. This section was chosen first because its path was decided quickly. The Appleby railway station was built as part of this first section.
The station officially opened on January 29, 1876. This was the same day the first completed part of the railway, from Nelson to Foxhill, began operating.
A Small but Important Stop
Appleby station was never a very big or busy station. It didn't have a large town right next to it. However, it was still important for the local area. For example, many school students from the nearby farms used the station. They would ride the train into Nelson to go to high school.
One interesting fact about Appleby station is that it was next to one of only two special bridges on the entire Nelson Section line. These bridges allowed State Highway 60 to go over the railway tracks. These overbridges were built to make the roads safer and prevent accidents. Different groups, like the Highways Board and the railway department, worked together to build them.
In 1949, people noticed that the goods shed at Appleby station was in bad shape. A group called the Progress League, which wanted the government to invest more in the railway, pointed out the problem. Soon after, the old goods shed was taken down.
The End of the Line
Appleby station actually closed for three days in June 1954. But then, the Nelson Section railway line was given a second chance, and the station reopened. However, this didn't last long. The station, along with the rest of the Nelson Section, closed permanently on September 3, 1955.
What's Left Today
It's quite amazing, but the old State Highway 60 overbridge, which went over the railway line at Appleby, is still used today! It's a lasting reminder of where the railway once ran.
