Ngāruawāhia railway station#1931 rail bridge

{{Infobox station

| name = Ngāruawāhia railway station

| type =

| image = File:Ngāruawāhia railway station 1910.jpg

| address = Great S Road, Ngāruawāhia

| country = New Zealand

| coordinates = {{Coord|37|40|05.9|S|175|08|56.1|E|region:NZ-AUK_type:railwaystation|display=inline,title}}

| elevation = {{convert|21|m|abbr=on}}

| distance = Wellington {{convert|559.06|km|abbr=on}}

| owned = KiwiRail

| tracks = double track from 4 December 1938[http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/NZR_MILEAGE_TABLE_1957.pdf New Zealand Railways Geographical Mileage Table 1957]

| structure =

| levels =

| parking =

| bicycle =

| code =

| zone =

| opened = 13 August 1877

| closed = 29 July 1978 (goods),
1975 (passengers)

| rebuilt =

| electrified =

| former = Newcastle until 1878

| passengers =

| pass_system =

| pass_year =

| pass_percent =

| services = {{s-rail|title=Historical railways}}

{{rail line

|previous=Taupiri
Line open,
station closed
{{convert|7.39|km|abbr=on}}

|next=Horotiu
Line open,
station open
{{convert|5.52|km|abbr=on}}

|route=North Island Main Trunk
KiwiRail

| image_caption = Ngāruawāhia station, about 1910.
[http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22515910 Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington]

| line = North Island Main Trunk

| other =

| platform =

| baggage_check =

| ADA =

}}}}

Ngāruawāhia railway station was at the junction of the North Island Main Trunk line and its Glen Massey branch, serving Ngāruawāhia in the Waikato District of New Zealand, {{Convert|74|mi|km|abbr=on}} south of Auckland and {{Convert|10|mi|km|abbr=on}} north of Hamilton.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18820331.2.44.3|title=Page 6 Advertisements Column 3|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1882-03-31|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=20 May 2017}} It was opened with a special train from Auckland on Monday 13 August 1877.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18770814.2.15|title=Opening of the Railway to Ngaruawahia|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1877-08-14|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} The next stations were Taupiri {{Convert|6.5|km||abbr=on}} to the north and Horotiu {{Convert|5.5|km||abbr=on}} to the south.{{Cite book|title=New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas, fourth edition|last=Yonge|first=John|publisher=Quail Map Company|year=1993|isbn=0-900609-92-3}}

In 2020 reopening of the remaining platform was put forward as a scheme to help the region recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, estimated to cost $15m.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hamilton.govt.nz/our-city/covid-19/recovery-package/Documents/2.%20Hamilton%20to%20Auckland%20Passenger%20Rail%20Start-up%20Service%20Enhancements.pdf|title=Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Start-up Service Enhancements|date=April 2020|website=Hamilton City Council}}

File:Ngāruawāhia_railway_station_site.jpg in 2017]]

History

The station opened on 13 August 1877,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1880/I/995|title=Table No. 9. — Appendix K. New Zealand Railways — North Island. Statement of Lengths of Sections Open for Traffic, 31st March, 1880|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=28 May 2017}} as Newcastle,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18770821.2.29.3|title=Page 4 Advertisements Column 3|publisher=Auckland Star|date=1877-08-21|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=16 May 2017}} when the line was extended {{Convert|31|mi|km|abbr=on}} from the previous terminus at Mercer,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1880/I/900|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives – Appendix C. Table of Lengths of Government Lines Authorized, Constructed, and Surveyed, up to 31st March, 1880. North Island|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} though the stationmaster's house was added later.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18770809.2.6|title=Waikato Times|date=1877-08-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=9 August 2017}} It ceased to be the terminus when the line was extended to Te Awamutu on 1 July 1880. The name was changed in 1878.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WANANG18781123.2.19|title=Change of Name|publisher=Wananga|date=1878-11-23|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} Two months after opening, a platform was built opposite the Delta Hotel in the town centre, though the goods shed remained to the south.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18771003.2.11|title=New Zealand Herald|date=1877-10-03|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=16 July 2017}}

The 1902 edition of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand described the station as wooden, with an asphalt platform, goods shed, lamp and luggage rooms, a ladies' room, public waiting room, stationmaster's office and a post office.{{Cite web|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc02Cycl-t1-body1-d3-d3-d7.html|title=Ngaruawahia|website=nzetc.victoria.ac.nz|access-date=2 July 2017}} A new station was reported as open in 1915,{{Cite journal|date=24 June 1915|title=Huntly|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZT19150624.2.37|journal=New Zealand Tablet}} though in 1916 the station was reported as "rearranged considerably",{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1916/I/1023|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives – Railways Statement By the Minister of Railways, The Hon. W. H. Herries|date=1 January 1916|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=16 July 2017}} which seems to have been when it was moved to about halfway between the hotel and the goods shed. Electric lights were installed in 1921.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1921/I-II/1433|title=Railways Statement By the Acting Minister of Railways, Hon. D. H. Guthrie. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives)|date=1921-01-01|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=6 July 2017}}

Traffic grew steadily (see graph and table below). The greatest increase was at the start of World War 2, presumably consisting largely of soldiers and relatives{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19400104.2.88|title=Mixed Feelings|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1940-01-04|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} travelling to and from Hopuhopu camp.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19400713.2.130.6|title=Page 17 Advertisements Column 6|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1940-07-13|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}}

File:Ngaruawahia_tickets.jpg

class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

|year

|tickets

|season tickets

|staff

1881

|3,535

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1881/I/967|title=Return No. 9. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ending 31st March, 1881|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1882

|2,321

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1882/I/824|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ending 31st March, 1882|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1883

|1,960

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1883/I/895|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1883|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1884

|2,787

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1884/I/844|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1884|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1885

|2,783

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1885/I/1156|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1885|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1886

|2,745

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1886/I/1138|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1886|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1887

|3,093

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1887/I/920|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1887|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1888

|2,131

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1889/I/1068?large_image=true|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1888|last=Zealand|first=National Library of New|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=10 July 2017}}

1889

|2,165

|2{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1889/I/1068|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1889|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1890

1891

|2,142

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1891/II/1264|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1891|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1892

|2,654

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1892/I/1164|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1892|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1893

|2,309

|4{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1893/I/1494|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1893|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1894

|2,450

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1894/I/1388|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1894|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1895

|2,574

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1895/I/1586|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1895|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1896

|2,653

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1896/I/1624|title=Return No. 10. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1896|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1897

|2,274

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1897/II/1610|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1897|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1898

|3,273

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1898/I/1670|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1898|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1899

|3,158

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1899/I/1824|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1899|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1900

|3,210

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1900/I/1612|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1900|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1901

1902

|5,442

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1902/I/1436|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1902|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1903

|6,951

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1903/I/1873|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1903|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1904

|8,230

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1904/I/1848|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1904|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1905

|8,487

|16

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1905/I/3767|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1905|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1906

|9,469

|30

|4{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1906/II/1600|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1906|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1907

|9,542

|18

|3{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1907/I/2542|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1907|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1908

|11,146

|4{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1908/I/2061|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1908|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1909

|12,053

|24

|5{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1909/II/1832|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1909|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1910

|15,239

|45

|4{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1910/I/2050|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1910|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1911

|16,705

|52

|5{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1911/I/2497|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1911|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1912

|17,697

|31

|6{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1912/II/2420|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1912|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1913

|20,164

|37

|8{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1913/I/3693|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure of each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1913|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1914

|18,354

|33

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1914/I/2031|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1914|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1915

|19,620

|36

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1915/I/1638|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1915|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1916

|22,270

|327

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1916/I/1053|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1916|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1917

|21,029

|296

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1917/I/1123|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1917|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1918

|20,608

|254

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1918/I-II/1159|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1918|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1919

|22,606

|300

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1919/I/1231|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1919|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1920

|20,266

|118

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1920/I/1349|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1920|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1921

|22,535

|106

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1921/I-II/1452|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1921|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1922

|21,032

|83

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1922/I/1409|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1922|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1923

|20,909

|76

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1923/I-II/1321|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1923|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1924

|19,737

|165

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1924/I/2458|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1924|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1925

|17,197

|147

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1925/I/1804|title=Return No. 12. Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1925|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1926

|15,504

|229

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1926/I/1930|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1926|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1927

|13,143

|184

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1927/I/2230|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1927|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1928

|11,113

|141

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1928/I/2628|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1928|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1929

|11,061

|115

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1929/I/2090|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1929|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1930

|9,346

|117

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1930/I/2212|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1930|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1931

|10,731

|147

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1931/I-II/1778|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1931|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1932

|10,742

|151

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1932/I-II/1934|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1932|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1933

|11,579

|102

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1933/I/1388|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1933|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1934

|13,171

|129

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1934/I/2278|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1934|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1935

|13,137

|132

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1935/I/1326|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1935|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1936

|13,927

|156

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1936/I/1552|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1936|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1937

|14,581

|199

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1937/I/1896|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1937|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1938

|14,576

|1,252

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1938/I/1652|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1938|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1939

|15,879

|3,016

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1939/I/1970|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1939|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1940

|34,839

|2,469

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1940/I/1314|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1940|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1941

|58,643

|3,131

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1941/I/1203|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1941|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1942

|68,419

|3,039

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1942/I/651|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1942|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1943

|48,246

|3,010

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1943/I/679|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1943|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1944

|37,802

|3,032

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1944/I/895|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1944|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1945

|23,207

|2,120

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1945/I/969|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1945|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1946

|23,252

|1,481

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1946/I/1548|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1946|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1947

|15,198

|1,304

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1947/I/2495|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1947|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1948

|10,675

|1,021

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1948/I/2521|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1948|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1949

|10,471

|877

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1949/I/2104|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1949|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

1950

|10,844

|574

|{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1950/I/2366|title=Statement No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1950|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=29 May 2017}}

Waikato River Bridges

= 1877 road-rail bridge =

Work started on a road rail bridge over the Waikato River, with three {{Convert|120|ft||abbr=on}} spans{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1877/I/990|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives – Public Works Statement by the Minister for Public Works, The Hon. John Davies Ormond, Friday, 10th August, 1877|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} late in 1874,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18741001.2.15|title=The Waikato Extension Railway|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1874-10-01|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} with pile driving started on 18 January 1875.{{Cite web|date=13 Jan 1875|title=DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18750113.2.11|access-date=2021-04-06|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Cylinders for the piers were delivered in 1875{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18750420.2.7|title=Waikato Railway|publisher=Waikato Times|date=1875-04-20|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} and the first was put in place on 24 June 1875.{{Cite book|title=Meeting of the Waters|last=Latta|first=A. M.|year=1980}} The bridge was said to be near completion in April 1876,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18760425.2.12|title=Ngaruawahia. April 24, 1876|publisher=Waikato Times|date=1876-04-25|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} and a test train was run over it and it opened for road traffic in December 1876.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18761230.2.5|title=Public Opening of the Ngaruawahia Railway Bridge|publisher=Waikato Times|date=1876-12-30|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2 July 2017}} However, it wasn't reported as finished until 1877, the year of a permanent way contract for the 30 miles from Mercer for £16,832.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1877/I/1046|title=Parliamentary Papers {{!}} Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives {{!}} 1877 Session|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=16 July 2017}} The bridge, like the station, opened for rail traffic on 13 August 1877.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19290415.2.80|title=New Bridge|publisher=Auckland Star|date=1929-04-15|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}}

Gates, controlled from the bridgekeeper's house, kept road traffic off the bridge when trains were due.{{Cite book|title=Meeting of the Waters|last=Latta|first=A. M.|publisher=Ngaruawahia Lions Club|year=1980}} Although it was planned to demolish the house in 1929, it survived until the bridge was demolished in 1968.

= 1931 rail bridge =

File:Ngāruawāhia_rail_and_road_bridges.jpg with a northbound freight on Ngāruawāhia railway bridge with a Toll truck on the road bridge. Tūrangawaewae is in the background.]]

In 1928 it was decided to replace the 1877 bridge, as it needed repair.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19281109.2.100|title=New Railway Bridge|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1928-11-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} The new bridge was {{Convert|35|ft||abbr=on}} downstream,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19290504.2.105.3|title=Replacing the Railway Bridge at Ngaruawahia|publisher=Auckland Star|date=1929-05-04|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} had 6 spans, 3 x {{Convert|117

|ft||abbr=on}} steel Pratt trusses, 2 x {{Convert|38|ft||abbr=on}} and 1 x {{Convert|24|ft||abbr=on}} plate girders, a total of {{Convert|451|ft||abbr=on}}. It rests on concrete piers up to {{Convert|70|ft||abbr=on}} deep. It was designed by NZR, using over 253 tons of steel{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300205.2.135|title=New Railway Bridge|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1930-02-05|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} (or 255 tons).{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310207.2.41|title=New Railway Bridge|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1931-02-07|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} It was made in Britain,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19290831.2.99|title=Railway Bridge Work|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1929-08-31|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} fabricated by A & G Price{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300730.2.98|title=New Railway Bridge|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1930-07-30|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} and cost £25,000.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310207.2.166|title=Nearing Completion|publisher=Auckland Star|date=1931-02-07|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} The last rivet was driven in February,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19310212.2.11|title=Ngaruawahia Bridge|publisher=Northern Advocate|date=1931-02-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} the first train crossed the bridge on 13 March{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310316.2.21.10|title=New Railway Bridge Over the Waikato River at Ngaruawahia, Now in Use|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1931-03-16|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} and by November 1931 the old bridge was being used for northbound road traffic.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311113.2.17.10|title=New Traffic Bridge at Ngaruawahia Now in Use|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1931-11-13|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} At that time it was expected that the old bridge would be refurbished for rail use when the track was doubled, so it was leased to the Main Highways Board.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19390125.2.60|title=Road Traffic Bridge|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1939-01-25|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}}

== 1974 crash ==

21 wagons of a southbound train derailed and piled up on the northernmost truss of the bridge after an axle broke{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/reduced-Hearings-Agenda-pack-for-30-April-RLTP-Hearings-2018.pdf|title=Hearings Agenda pack for 30 April RLTP Hearings 2018|website=Waikato Regional Council}} on 14 July 1974.{{Cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/31195528?search%5Bi%5D%5Bsubject%5D%5B%5D=Accidents,+Railway&search%5Bi%5D%5Bsubject%5D%5B%5D=Ngaruawahia--Railway+Accidents&search%5Bpath%5D=items|title=One bridge, two accidents|website=natlib.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|access-date=2018-04-27}}

== 2002 repair ==

On 14 March 1998 part of train 235 hit the 1931 bridge,{{Cite book|url=https://taic.org.nz/sites/default/files/inquiry/documents/98-105.pdf|title=TAIC Railway Occurrence Report 98-105}} requiring the replacement of 2 of the trusses with 2 x {{Convert|36|m||abbr=on}} beams{{Cite web|url=http://www.hellotrade.com/eastbridge/rail-bridging-ngaruwahia-rail-bridge.html|title=Rail Bridging (Ngaruwahia Rail Bridge) – Manufacturer from Eastbridge Ltd, new zealand|website=www.hellotrade.com|access-date=13 July 2017}} in 2001/2{{Cite web|url=https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/informationreleases/rail/transaction/pdfs/rt-resouceconsent.pdf|title=Schedule of Tranz Rail Resource Consents|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202175039/https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/informationreleases/rail/transaction/pdfs/rt-resouceconsent.pdf |archive-date=2 February 2018 }} by McConnell Smith.{{Cite web|url=https://ijglobal.com/articles/1214/tranz-rail-to-rebuild-new-zealand-rail-bridge|title=Tranz Rail to rebuild New Zealand rail bridge|website=ijglobal.com|language=en-US|access-date=13 July 2017}}{{crossings navbox|structure=Structures|place=Waikato River|upstream=Great South Road bridge, Ngāruawāhia 1956 (replacing 1921)|downstream=Tainui Bridge, Huntly 1959|bridge=Ngāruawāhia Railway Bridge 1931 (replacing 1877)}}

Gallery

File:2_Dec_1955_Ngāruawāhia_bridges.jpg|1931 railway bridge and 1956 road bridge being built

File:2_Dec_1955_Ngāruawāhia_railway_station.jpg|1955 view from north

File:12_Nov_1959_Ngāruawāhia_railway_station.jpg|1959 view from north

File:May_1951_Ngāruawāhia_railway_station_from_NE.jpg|1951 view from north east

File:Confluence_of_Waikato_and_Waipa_and_bridges_at_Ngāruawāhia.jpg|1931 rail bridge and 1956 road bridge

References

External links

[http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=14&x=1789075&y=5829541&layerid=NZMS1%201959 1944 one inch map of location]

Timetables

[https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18770821.2.29.3 1877], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18790422.2.4 1879], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18800901.2.6.5 1880], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18820204.2.81.6 Feb 1882], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18820331.2.44.3 Mar 1882], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18820923.2.24.7 Sep 1882], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18830106.2.41.12.5 Jan 1883], [https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18830106.2.41.12.5 Mar 1883]

Photos

[https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/166530 1901 Visitors for the regatta arriving at the Ngāruawāhia railway station], Kura Heritage Collections Online (Auckland Libraries)
[https://heritage.hamiltonlibraries.co.nz/objects/10387/old-railway-station-and-delta-hotel-in-ngaruawahia Hamilton Libraries - 1910 view of station and Delta Hotel]
National Library – [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22708153 Railway Bridge c1910], [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23035378 1900s train at station opposite Delta Hotel], [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22562343 c1905 station and Delta Hotel], [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22895651 steam train at station c 1927], aerial photos -[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/32971541 1959], [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22775381 1972]
1930s views of the railway bridge construction 8 Feb,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300208.2.22.10|title=New Railway Bridge at Ngaruawahia|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1930-02-08|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} 23 Apr,{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19300423.2.79.7|title=Steady Progress in Being Made with the building of the new railway bridge at Ngaruawahia|publisher=Auckland Star|date=1930-04-23|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} 9 August 1930{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300809.2.23.8|title=New Railway Bridge Now in Course of Construction at Ngaruawahia|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1930-08-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}} and 14 Feb1931.{{Cite web|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310214.2.20.8|title=Bridge at Ngaruawahia nearing completion|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=1931-02-14|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=11 July 2017}}

[https://www.google.co.nz/maps/@-37.6692729,175.1499514,3a,75y,283.63h,89.39t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfgVPsHSjLImryprJFtsnig!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Google Street View of station site]

Category:Ngāruawāhia

Category:Rail transport in Waikato

Category:Railway stations in New Zealand closed in 1988

Category:Defunct railway stations in New Zealand

Category:Railway bridges in New Zealand

Category:Buildings and structures in Waikato

Category:Railway stations in New Zealand opened in 1877