Page 8 - The Last TRain South

Redditch Heritage The Last Train South

Until the First World War, railways were the principle means of transport outside towns and it
became a thriving busy line. However, as other, more competitive, means of transport were
developed it became less busy and, in 1962, the Evesham to Redditch line closed to passenger
traffic as part of the 'Beeching Axe'

The station has been relocated three times, in 1868, 1974 and most recently in 1993, to allow
for redevelopment in the town centre. This movement coincided with the electrification of the
Cross-City Line

The original station was in Clive Road but as the town grew and the line was extended south of
Redditch, the line was re-routed and a station built at Oakley Road, just south of the Birmingham
Road where the station is today.

At this time there were twin tracks at the station merging into one before entering the tunnel.

As part of the New Town Development, the station was re-located north of the Birmingham road
to where it is today. At the same time the line into Redditch was reduced to a single track.

View of Station Drive c1962
Photo Courtesy of Phil Jarvis

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