Last legs: Benalla's historic signal box will be removed before March 1, 2024. Photo: Rene Martens.
Photo by
Rene Martens
RenSmart Photography
The impending removal of Benalla’s historic signal box, which sits next to the Nunn St Rail Crossing, has caused great upset in the community.
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The removal of the structure is based on the recommendations of an independent engineer’s report.
The report advised that the structure must be demolished or dismantled within six months of September 1, 2023.
However, some elements of the signal box could be saved.
The report states:
The report states that the internal steel elements in the signal hut were generally found to be in fair condition during the engineer’s inspection.
These elements exhibited no significant signs of deterioration or structural concerns.
Furthermore, the signalling lever frame and associated equipment and levers are also in good condition, showing no visible signs of damage.
Regarding the internal steel elements, including columns and beams found in the building, it is possible that these materials could be re-purposed.
Due to the historical value of these elements, careful consideration of the re-purposing should be undertaken, which could involve offering them to historical railway societies or museums.
ARTC South Australia and Victoria General Manager of Major Projects Ed Walker said it was committed to releasing the independent engineering report detailing the signal hut’s severe dilapidated condition.
“We will continue working with the community in Benalla to consider future options for the rail precinct as we deliver Inland Rail in Victoria,” Mr Walker said.
The report states that engineers inspected all accessible and visible areas of the structure on July 12, 2023.
And that the severity and extent of the defects identified pose an unacceptably high risk of injury to anyone accessing the building.
Collision: In October 2021 a van lost control on the Nunn St level crossing crashing into Benalla’s signal box.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
As such, signage will be installed as soon as possible to warn of hazards and instruct people not to enter.
In addition to the risk posed to pedestrian access, there is also a risk of the signal hut collapsing onto the adjacent train line in the future.
Due to the severity of the consequence, should this risk eventuate, the report advised that urgent action must be taken.
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