Altona Junction
Line: Melbourne - Geelong - Warrnambool
Junction with: Altona Line
Distance from Melbourne: 13.281 km
Track Diagram: View
Google Maps: Satellite / Map
Opened: October 22, 1967
The initial junction of the Geelong line with the Williamstown Racecourse / Altona line was at Newport South, with the two separate lines running parallel until they diverged a kilometre to the west.
This was altered in 1967 when the line between Newport South and Rock crossing loop was duplicated. The junction was moved to the point of divergence, and named Altona Junction. It was initially worked from a signal panel at Newport South until that signal box's closure, when control was transferred to Newport. In 1985 the loop on the Altona line was lengthened, and bidirectional signalling provided on each leg.
At the down end of the junction heading for Geelong there is a crossover between the two tracks, facing down trains on the East line or up trains on the West line. By the mid 2000s the crossover was little used, deteriorating in condition until a 50 km/h speed restriction was placed onto it. These restrictions lasted a number of months at a time until bandaid fixes were made, as the suburban rail operator was not affected by them. The last speed restriction was put into place in 2009, the crossover being removed over the weekend of May 15, 2010.
Events
| October 22, 1967 | Opened |
Line Opened
| June 25, 1857 | Line officially opened between Geelong and at temporary terminus at Greenwich. A ferry was used the complete the journey to Melbourne |
| October 3, 1857 | Temporary Greenwich terminal and stub line closed. Geelong line now connected to the partially completed Williamstown line. A ferry complete the journey from Williamstown to Melbourne |
| January 17, 1859 | Williamstown line finally completed to Melbourne. Geelong trains can now operate direct to Spencer Street Station |
| April 7, 1885 | Line opened Newport South to Williamstown Racecourse |
Track Amplified
| October 22, 1967 | Line duplicated Altona Junction to Laverton |
| October 22, 1967 | Line duplicated Newport South - Altona Junction |
Safeworking
| October 22, 1967 | Line duplicated Newport South - Altona Junction |
| October 22, 1967 | Rock closed. Automatic and Track Control section now Altona Junction - Laverton |
| (January 20, 1985) | Westona opened. Automatic and Track Control section now Altona Junction - Westona |
Photos
9 images found. Click them to enlarge.
Altona Junction looking down |
Looking down the line from Maddox Road |
Substation at Altona Junction |
Looking towards Melbourne |
Looking towards Paisely |
Looking towards Paisely |
And one of the up end |
Another view of the substation for good measure |
Relay room and speed restriction on the track towards Paisley |