Cliff Road railway station
{{short description|Railway station in New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox station
| name = Cliff Road railway station
| type =
| image = Cliff Rd 1942 1971.jpg
| image_caption = Cliff Rd railway station - left 1942, right 1971
| address =
| country = New Zealand
| coordinates = {{Coord|-40.072212|175.418226|region:NZ-AUK_type:railwaystation|display=inline,title}}
| elevation = {{convert|94|m|abbr=on}}
| owned =
| line = North Island Main Trunk
| distance = Wellington {{convert|183.58|km|abbr=on}}
| platform =
| tracks =
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| opened = 2 June 1888
| closed = passengers by 10 August 1959
goods 25 April 1982
| rebuilt =
| electrified = June 1988
| former =
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| services = {{s-rail|title=Historical railways}}
{{rail line
|previous=Overton
Line open, station closed
{{convert|5.11 |km|abbr=on}}
|next=Marton
Line open, station closed
{{convert|3.33|km|abbr=on}}
|route=North Island Main Trunk
KiwiRail
}}
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}}Cliff Road railway station was a flag station on the North Island Main Trunk in New Zealand.{{cite book|title=New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas|year=1965|publisher=Quail Map Co.|pages=3 & 4|edition=First}}{{cite book|last=Pierre|first=Bill|title=North Island Main Trunk|year=1981|publisher=A.H&A.W Reed|location=Wellington|isbn=0589013165|pages=289–290}} It opened in 1888 and closed in 1982.{{Cite web |url=http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf |title=Juliet Scoble: Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124135845/http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Dates_and_names.pdf |archive-date=24 January 2018 |url-status=dead }} Only a single track now passes through the station site and no buildings remain.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Basemaps|url=https://basemaps.linz.govt.nz/#@-40.07220618,175.418009,z18.4469|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805140457/https://basemaps.linz.govt.nz/ |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=2021-01-19|website=basemaps.linz.govt.nz}}
History
The route of the Hunterville branch (later incorporated into the NIMT) was inspected on foot in 1884.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 Dec 1884|title=MANAWATU TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT18841219.2.22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127195340/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT18841219.2.22 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} A station at Cliff Road was planned from 1885, when authority was requested for £50.9/- for alterations to the station,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Stations|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074304/http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf |archive-date=8 February 2013 |access-date=2020-08-10|website=NZR Rolling Stock Lists|language=en}} though the station doesn't seem to have existed until 1888. A report said goods were first carried on the branch on 19 October 1887,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Stations|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074304/http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf |archive-date=8 February 2013 |access-date=2020-08-10|website=NZR Rolling Stock Lists|language=en}} though the line was said to be almost ready to open in December 1887{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 Dec 1887|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. AUCKLAND STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18871213.2.4|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and an estimate of May 1888 opening was given,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=12 Apr 1888|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. WANGANUI CHRONICLE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC18880412.2.6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127221259/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC18880412.2.6 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} but the official opening of the {{Convert|15|mi|57|ch||abbr=on}} Marton to Hunterville section was on Saturday 2 June 1888, when the station was served by two trains a week,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2 Jun 1888|title=INTERPROVINCIAL. EVENING STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18880602.2.16|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122034312/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18880602.2.16 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-16|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} reported as losing £15 a week.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 Jul 1888|title=Local and General News. FEILDING STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS18880724.2.5|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122010234/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS18880724.2.5 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-16|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} A Certificate of Inspection for the line was issued on Wednesday, 6 June 1888. By 1894 the branch had two trains a day.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 Oct 1894|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. WANGANUI CHRONICLE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC18941025.2.6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127193205/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC18941025.2.6 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}
In 1890 special trains ran to Cliff Road for Marton hack races.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=30 Dec 1890|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. WANGANUI CHRONICLE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC18901230.2.7|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}
Although an application for cattle yards was made in 1893, it seems none was provided, though sheep were handled at the station.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=30 May 1929|title=DROVING AT NIGHT. FEILDING STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS19290530.2.60.7|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}
By 1896 there was a shelter shed, platform, loading bank, urinals and a passing loop for 24 wagons. By 1899 a cart approach existed. An 1897 petition asked for a goods shed. In 1904 it was decided to move a spare engine shed from Wanganui District and convert it to a goods shed for about £75. By November 1904 Cliff Road had a {{Convert|40|ft||abbr=on}} by {{Convert|20|ft||abbr=on}} goods shed. In 1913, to ease dray access to the siding, £70 was spent to shift loading back to the north end of the yard and extend the approach road.
The station had a caretaker from at least 1912 to 1951. Houses were built for railway workers in 1919 and 1920.
In 1939 the loop siding at Cliff Road was lifted for use at Whangamōmona. Seven wagons were derailed at the station in 1942.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=28 Jul 1942|title=A Thought For To-day. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19420728.2.36|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127221846/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19420728.2.36 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}
A report on 19 June 1959 said there was still a shelter shed, platform, a tablet locked loop siding, goods shed, loading bank and sheep yards. Traffic was then mostly inward loads of bulk lime, manure and occasional livestock and, outwards, potatoes and straw. On Monday, 10 August 1959 the station closed for passengers, parcels, and goods in small lots. By 1971 the goods shed was rarely used. From 1 September 1972 until 1 October 1978 the shed was leased to Marton Lime Company. From Sunday, 25 April 1982 the station closed to all traffic.
Bridge strikes
The level crossing, on what is now State Highway 1,{{Cite web|title=Marton, Manawatu-Wanganui|url=https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz47291/Marton/|access-date=2021-01-18|website=NZ Topo Map|language=en}} was the subject of a court case about a car collision with a train as early as 1913.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=10 Sep 1913|title=SUPREME COURT. RANGITIKEI ADVOCATE AND MANAWATU ARGUS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19130910.2.79|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} The defendant S. J. Gibbons was awarded the amount of £15 as claimed in a precedent-setting case.{{cite web|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WH19130927.2.17?end_date=05-10-1913&items_per_page=10&page=4&query=Gibbons&snippet=true&start_date=27-09-1913&type=ARTICLE |title= Judgment in Supreme Court |publisher= Wanganui Herald in Papers Past |date=27 September 1913 }}{{cite web|url= https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19130929.2.11?end_date=05-10-1913&items_per_page=10&page=4&query=Gibbons&snippet=true&start_date=27-09-1913&type=ARTICLE |title= Judgment in Supreme Court |publisher= Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus in Papers Past |date=29 September 1913 }} Trees were felled in 1916 to improve sight-lines for motorists.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 Dec 1916|title=RANGITIKEI COUNTY COUNCIL. RANGITIKEI ADVOCATE AND MANAWATU ARGUS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19161222.2.27|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127214407/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19161222.2.27 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}
The crossing was replaced by a bridge under the railway in about 1938.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 Jan 1939|title=LEVEL CROSSINGS. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19390111.2.110|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In 2007 a truck hit the bridge{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 Mar 2007|title=SH1 cut off for three days after truck crashes into bridge|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sh1-cut-off-for-three-days-after-truck-crashes-into-bridge/TIQM5BJJBU4XUEL2VRXNPEAEMU/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127200403/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sh1-cut-off-for-three-days-after-truck-crashes-into-bridge/TIQM5BJJBU4XUEL2VRXNPEAEMU/ |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18|website=NZ Herald|language=en-NZ}} and its debris was hit by another truck, which caught fire.{{Cite web|title=Crash affects road and rail services|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/content/1016072/4202557.xhtml|access-date=2021-01-18|website=TVNZ}} Sleepers on the bridge burnt and had to be replaced.{{Cite web|last=Jennifer Critchley, Emma Cowell|date=2015|title=RAIL OVER ROAD BRIDGE STRIKES – DISCUSSION OF AN EMERGENCY RECOVERY IN A METRO AREA|url=https://na.eventscloud.com/file_uploads/07e9ab4dc5c28687d73704d166a571e6_RAILOVERROADBRIDGESTRIKESDISCUSSIONOFANEMERGENCYRECOVERYINAMETROAREA.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127214222/https://na.eventscloud.com/file_uploads/07e9ab4dc5c28687d73704d166a571e6_RAILOVERROADBRIDGESTRIKESDISCUSSIONOFANEMERGENCYRECOVERYINAMETROAREA.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=|website=}} Another truck hit the bridge in 2017 and overturned.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 Jul 2017|title=Truck wedged under rail bridge|url=http://www.greystar.co.nz/news/truck-crashes-into-railbridge-closes-highway-near-marton/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-18|website=Greymouth Star|language=en-NZ}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- 1907 derailment, due to slip, about a mile and a half north of Cliff Rd - reports [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT19070618.2.3][https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19070617.2.44][https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19070618.2.51][https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19070617.2.54][https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/RAMA19070615.2.9] and [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19070627-14-4%22 photo]
Category:Rail transport in Manawatū-Whanganui
Category:Buildings and structures in Manawatū-Whanganui
Category:Defunct railway stations in New Zealand