Rhodes railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rhodes
Northbound view in October 2017
Location	Walker Street, Rhodes
Coordinates	33°49′50″S 151°05′13″E / 33.830529°S 151.086983°E / -33.830529; 151.086983
Owned by	Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by	Sydney Trains
Line(s)	Main Northern
Distance	16.58 kilometres from Central
Platforms	3 (1 island, 1 side)
Tracks	3
Connections	Bus
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Disabled access	Yes
Other information
Status	Staffed
Station code	RDS
Website	Transport for NSW
History
Opened	17 September 1885
Rebuilt	2006
Electrified	Yes
Traffic
Passengers (2013)	7,100(daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Rank	34
Services
Preceding station Sydney Trains Following station Meadowbank toward Hornsby Northern Line Concord West toward Gordon via Central

Rhodes railway station is a special train station in Sydney, Australia. It's located on the Main Northern line. This station serves the suburbs of Rhodes and Liberty Grove. Both suburbs are part of the City of Canada Bay. Rhodes station is an important part of the local transport system. It is used by Sydney Trains for its T9 Northern Line services.

The Story of Rhodes Station

Rhodes railway station has a long and interesting history. It was first opened way back on 17 September 1885. The station is part of the Main Northern line, which connects Sydney to Newcastle.

Building the Main Northern Line

The Main Northern line was built in two main parts. For a while, these two parts worked as separate train systems. The first part, from Strathfield (near Sydney) to the Hawkesbury River, opened in April 1887. The second part, from Newcastle to the northern side of the Hawkesbury River, opened in January 1888. The whole line finally connected when a huge bridge was built over the Hawkesbury River in 1889.

Opening the Strathfield to Hornsby Section

The section of the line between Strathfield and Hornsby opened on 17 September 1886. This part of the line was first built as a single track. Hornsby was the end of the line for a short time. When it opened, stations were built at places like Ryde, Eastwood, Epping, Beecroft, and Thornleigh.

Rhodes Station's Early Days

Plans for the Strathfield to Hornsby line included platforms at Rhodes. However, they weren't ready on the opening day. The exact date they started being used isn't known. But they were on the train timetable by April 5, 1887. At first, Rhodes had just one brick platform. This platform was on the "Down" side of the single track.

Growing and Changing Over Time

The train line between Strathfield and Hornsby became a double track in March 1892. This meant a new platform was added at Rhodes for trains going "Up" (in the other direction). In 1909, a signal box was built on the "Up" platform to help control the trains. In 1912, an extra track was added behind the "Down" platform. A footbridge was built in 1915. This bridge helped people cross all the tracks safely to reach the platforms.

Electrification and Modernisation

In 1928, the train lines at Rhodes were electrified. This meant trains could run on electricity. An extra platform was also added for the new "Down relief" line. This created an "island" platform for trains going in the "Down" direction.

Rhodes: From Industry to Modern Living

For many years, Rhodes was mostly an industrial area. It was home to companies like Tulloch, which made railway locomotives. Many factory train tracks were built near Rhodes station. These tracks helped move goods for different businesses.

North of the station, the train line crosses the Parramatta River. It uses the John Whitton Bridge, which opened in 1980. This new bridge replaced an older one.

Starting in the 1990s, the Rhodes area began to change a lot. New homes and businesses were built. For example, the luxury suburb of Liberty Grove opened in 1998. Today, Rhodes has many apartment buildings, offices, and the Rhodes Waterside shopping centre.

In the 2000s, Rhodes station itself got a big makeover. The old platforms were rebuilt with modern materials. The station offices were moved to a new footbridge above the tracks. Lifts were added to make it easier for everyone to get to the platforms. The old industrial train tracks near the station were removed. In 2015, a new southbound track was added south of the station. This was part of a project to help freight trains move more easily.

Train Platforms and Services

Rhodes station has three platforms for trains.

• Platform 1: This platform is for T9 services heading south. These trains go towards Gordon by way of Strathfield.
• Platform 2: This platform is for T9 services heading north. These trains go towards Hornsby.
• Platform 3: This platform is not used very often. It is mainly for freight trains that are passing through.

Sometimes, during track work, the crossovers can be used to end northbound trains at Rhodes.

Getting Around: Transport Links

Rhodes station is a hub for different types of transport. You can catch buses from several stands nearby.

• Stand A, Concord Rd:
  • Bus 410: Goes to Marsfield via Top Ryde City and Lane Cove Road.
• Stand B, Concord Rd:
  • Bus 410: Goes to Hurstville via Concord Hospital, Burwood, and Campsie.
• Stand C, Walker St:
  • Bus 458: Goes to Ryde.
  • Bus 526: Goes to Burwood via Wentworth Point, Newington, Sydney Olympic Park, and Strathfield.
  • Bus 533: Goes to Chatswood Station.
• Stand D, Walker St:
  • Bus 458: Goes to Burwood via Concord Hospital, Concord Road, and Strathfield.
  • Bus 526: This bus only drops off passengers here.
  • Bus 533: Goes to Olympic Park railway station.

The Historic Waiting Shed

Rhodes station has a small, old waiting shed on Platform 2/3. It has a pointed roof and is made of wood. This shed dates back to 1887. It is not currently used. Even though it's old, it's very important.

Why is the Waiting Shed Special?

This waiting shed is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's a protected historical building. It's special because it's a very rare example of a small wooden waiting shed from the 1880s. It's the only one left like it in New South Wales! It shows what many early train stations looked like. Even though some of its surroundings have changed, it still helps us understand the history of the area.

The waiting shed is important to the local community. It connects them to the history of their area. It's also rare because most similar old wooden buildings on suburban train lines have been removed or replaced.