Phosphate Sidings

Yard
Line: Geelong and Warrnambool
Junction with: Corio Independent Goods Line
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Opened: June 24, 1924

The Phosphate Sidings at North Shore first came into existence with the opening of a single siding for the Freezing Works in 1899. Expansion occurred in 1924 with the opening of the adjacent Phosphate Works. It lead off the Freezing Works siding, which itself was a loop off the main line. In the late 1950s these sidings were extended.

In 1967 the sidings took the form they are now, with new sidings provided along the main line in the up direction, as well as another connection to the main line, forming a triangle. This was carried out to speed up rail traffic serving the Phosphate Works and avoid using North Geelong Yard. In 1982 the Apex Quarries siding was connected to the existing sidings.

In 2007-2008 the sidings were rebuilt as part of the Geelong Rail Access Improvement Project / Corio Independent Goods Line works. The down end connection was lifted and connected to the dual gauge CIGL, and the sidings themselves were rebuilt. Provided were two though broad gauge sidings parallel to the main Geelong line, and joining it at the Corio end as before. There are also two dead end sidings facing the Midway Siding end with access from the Corio end. There are also three standard gauge sidings running into a head shunt at the Corio end, and then to the east four broad gauge sidings connecting into a head shunt across from the Phosphate Works, which is baulked. The north to east leg of the triangle here was lifted.

2008 Diagram


Red is broad gauge mainline.

Grey is BG sidings.

Blue is SG sidings.

Purple is DG tracks.

Black is roads.

Around the Phosphate Sidings

  1. [Now removed BG headshunt]
  2. Apex Quarries
  3. Ford Siding (closed and lifted, approximate layout)
  4. Phosphate Works (baulked at the road level crossing)
  5. Midway Siding
  6. International Harvester (closed and lifted, approximate layout)

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Former layout


Phosphate Sidings

  1. Headshunt
  2. Apex Quarries
  3. Ford Siding (closed and lifted, approximate layout)
  4. Phosphate Works
  5. Midway Siding
  6. International Harvester (closed and lifted, approximate layout)

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Events


June 24, 1924 Opened
Line Opened
November 1, 1856 Line opened Lara to Geelong
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
Track Amplified
February 8, 1959 Line duplicated Corio to North Geelong A

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Sources