Silverstream Bridge railway station facts for kids

The Silverstream Bridge railway station was a train stop in New Zealand. It was part of the Hutt Valley Line, which was a section of the Wairarapa Line. This station operated from 1908 until 1954. It was later replaced by the current Silverstream railway station.

The station was located just across an old railway bridge. It was in a corner of the Silverstream Hospital grounds. The station building was built on a slight curve. It was unusual because it was extra long and open on three sides. The back wall had three double doors leading from the platform.

A Look Back: History of the Station

Let's explore the history of the Silverstream Bridge railway station.

Opening and Early Days

The Silverstream Bridge railway station first opened on 26 May 1908. It was one of several stations that opened in 1908. These stations were all on the Hutt Valley section of the railway line. Other stations opened around the same time included Melling railway station and Pitcaithly's railway station. Until 1954, the main railway line ran along the western side of the Hutt Valley.

Closed and Reopened for War

The station was closed in 1917. However, it was reopened on 17 August 1942. This happened during World War II. The station was reopened to serve the Silverstream Hospital. This hospital was built to care for American soldiers injured in the Pacific region.

What Happened Next?

The Silverstream Bridge railway station closed permanently on 28 February 1954. At this time, the Melling-Belmont section of the railway line also closed. The first rail bridge at Silverstream was also shut down. Today, some parts of this old railway line are preserved. The Silver Stream Railway, which opened in 1978, uses some of these old tracks.