SIGNAL BOX A AND SIGNAL POSTS

Ararat Railway Station opened on 7 April 1875 and the main buildings were constructed by July 1875. Two large timber signal boxes were built in Ararat in 1891. Signal Box A was built with a 65 lever frame, a further 7 levers being added in 1921. Signal Box B was demolished in 1984.

How is it significant?

Signal Box A and the signal posts are of historic significance to Victoria.

Why is it significant?

Signal Box A at Ararat railway complex, the last remaining operative junction of its type in Victoria at the time of registration, is a rare example of a building type. It has 4 systems in a 5 point junction operating a semaphore signals system on a country to coast export line cross intersection with an inter-capital service and varied freight loading and through services. Its size and complexity demonstrate the importance that Ararat held as a junction in the interstate and port-hinterland rail systems.

Ararat was one of the last remaining parts of Victoria's railway system to retain semaphore and disc signals at the time of registration. The complex includes a range of rare post types, particularly Signal Post 1 which is the only post in Victoria with timber post, bracket and dolls.

Group

Transport - Rail

Category

Signal Box