Williamstown railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Williamstown
PTV commuter rail station
Northbound view in June 2014
Location	Hanmer Street, Williamstown Australia
Coordinates	37°52′04″S 144°54′19″E / 37.8677°S 144.9054°E / -37.8677; 144.9054
Owned by	VicTrack
Operated by	Metro
Line(s)	Williamstown
Distance	14.20 kilometres from Southern Cross
Platforms	1
Tracks	1
Construction
Structure type	Ground
Disabled access	Yes
Other information
Status	Premium station
Station code	WIL
Fare zone	Myki zone 1
Website	Public Transport Victoria
History
Opened	17 January 1859
Electrified	Yes
Services
Preceding station Metro Trains Following station Terminus Williamstown line Williamstown Beach towards Frankston via Flinders Street

Williamstown railway station is the very last station on the Williamstown train line in Victoria, Australia. It is located in the western Melbourne suburb of Williamstown. This historic station first opened its doors on 17 January 1859.

Back in 2013/14, Williamstown station was one of the quieter stations in Melbourne. About 164,000 people used it during that year.

History of Williamstown Station

Work on the Williamstown train line began with a private company. This company was called the Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company. However, the government took over the project in 1856.

Building the Station

Builders Kerr, Hodgson & Billings started working on the timber station building in 1858. The station officially opened for trains on 17 January 1859. Special bluestone bridges were built over the train tracks at Thompson and Cole Streets. These bridges allowed roads to pass over the railway line.

Until 1987, the train line continued further around a bend. It went to another station called Williamstown Pier station, which is now closed. Williamstown station was made a "Premium station" on 18 June 1996. This means it has more staff and facilities for passengers.

A Historic Building

The station building is very old and important. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. This means it is protected because of its historical value. It is the second oldest railway station in Victoria. Only St Kilda station is older.

It is also the oldest timber (wooden) railway station building still standing in Victoria. It is one of the earliest public buildings made of timber that still exists in the state.

The middle part of the station building is still there today. But it used to have two extra parts on each side. One side had a home for the stationmaster. The other side had rooms where people could buy food and drinks. A wooden and iron roof (veranda) used to cover the street side of the station. On the train side, the original platform roof was much longer.

Changes Over Time

A footbridge (a bridge for people to walk across) was added around 1883. This bridge is at Ann Street. When the train line became electric in 1916, the Thompson Street road bridge was changed. Its arched shape was removed and replaced with flat beams. This was done to make more space for the electric trains.

In the past, there were extra train tracks, a signal box (to control train movements), and a weighbridge (to weigh train carriages) opposite the station. Most of these extra tracks were removed by June 1988. All the rails, wooden sleepers, overhead wires, and signals between Williamstown and Williamstown Pier were taken away by October 1988. Now, the train track ends just under the Ann Street footbridge.

Platforms and Train Services

Williamstown station has one platform. A platform is the area next to the train tracks where passengers wait for trains. It is used by Metro Trains for services on the Williamstown line.

Platform 1:

• Williamstown line:

* During weekdays, trains stop at all stations or run as "limited express" services. These trains go to Flinders Street station. * On weekends, trains stop at all stations and go to Newport station.

Connecting Transport

You can also connect to bus services from Williamstown station. Sita Buslines operates one bus route that passes by the station:

• Route 471: This bus travels between Williamstown and Sunshine station.

Gallery

• 

  Southbound view in April 2011