History
The contract for construction of Kangaroo Flat station was let in 1862. In 1904 it was renamed Kangaroo, being renamed to the original name in 1916. By 1926 facilities included a signal frame, a pair of side platforms on the double track, a goods siding and shed on the eastern side of the line, and a crossover between tracks. In 1938 the stationmaster was withdrawn, being worked by the Porter-in-charge under Caretaker conditions.
From 1889 the station had been a block point under the Winters Block system, being capable of 'switching out' in times of quieter traffic. This status remained until 1980, when the signal box was only 'switched in' when required. In 1987 the signal box was closed, and all points and signals removed.
After a fire in 1990 that caused extensive damage, the station building was left unused and only two trains per weekday stopped at the station. The Regional Fast Rail project saw the line though the station closed in 2005, not being reopened until 2006. The line towards Melbourne was singled, with the line becoming double track at the Melbourne end of Kangaroo Flat and continues until Bendigo, being worked by the signal box there. The decision to single the line was criticised by both rail enthusiasts and communities along the line.
On 26 April 2009 more than 50 people gathered on the station platform to celebrate the first anniversary of additional services to Kangaroo Flat following a community campaign. In the absence of any official ceremony since the extra services and refurbishment of the station building, those present performed a simple ceremony to mark the occasion.
Read more about this topic: Kangaroo Flat Railway Station
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