Newbridge

The large Co.Kildare commuting town of Newbridge was first served by rail in August 1846, when the Great Southern & Western Railway opened their line from Dublin to Carlow. Until 1994, Newbridge had a sparse passenger service. Following the introduction of the 'Arrow' commuter services, the station has acquired more stopping services. A new bay platform for terminating services from Dubln Heuston was recently constructed on the down side of the station. The 1840s station buildings are typical of the type built by the GSWR on the line towards Carlow, which feature Tudor style architecture. The main buildings, including the large water tower, are located on the down side, while on the up is an attractive GSWR canopy. The lattice footbridge is attached to the main building. The goods yard at Newbridge was located at the north end of the station on the down side. Although goods services ceased in 1976, the sidings remained in situ until 1994, when the platform and car park were extended. The small stone built goods shed was also demolished. Newbridge signal cabin was located at the south end beyond the narrow road overbridge, and was demolished after CTC signalling was introduced in 1976.
Powering this northbound Cork to Dublin express passing Newbridge is 201 Class loco No.209, still in the original Dublin to Belfast 'Enterprise' livery. Seen diverging into the terminating bay platform at the north end of Newbridge Station is another 22000 railcar unit, this time No.22331 with a service from Dublin Heuston. With the main line clear, another 'Intercity' liveried 201 Class loco No.225 'Abhainn na Daoile/River Deel', heads south with the 12:00 Cork bound express. The next 'down' train is a rather noisey 071 Class loco No.079, seen heading the morning Dublin (North Wall) to Ballina freight liner train.
Framed by the ancient Great Southern & Western canopy on the up platform at Newbridge is 22000 Class railcar No.22229, seen arriving with a service from Dublin. Propelling a northbound Cork to Dublin express at Newbridge Station is 201 Class loco No.223. On the right can be seen the bay platform for terminating services from Heuston. 'Enterprise' liveried loco No.209 'River Foyle' is seen again, returning at speed through Newbridge Station with a southbound Dublin to Cork express. Approaching the road overbridge at Newbridge Station is railcar No.22321, seen heading north with a non-stopping service.
The station buildings at Newbridge have remained unchanged for many years. 22000 Class railcar No.22229 awaits departure north to Dublin. With the bay platform line coverging from the right, 22228 heads across the point work with a southbound service. The train is displaying 'Droichead Nua', the Irish named for Newbridge. Passing beneath the 1950s concrete built road overbridge at the north end of Newbridge Station is 201 Class loco No.223, heading south with an afternoon Cork bound express. A pair of the new LED signals at the north end of the down platform at Newbridge Station, installed in 2009. These signals replaced a set of standard types which had previously replaced the 1970s CTC signals. The 'HK' stands for 'Heuston-Kildare'.
This is the new LED colour light signal at Newbridge down platform. The signal is also of three aspect. On the left can be seen one of the 1840s stone mileposts, indicating that Newbridge is 25½ miles from Dublin Heuston. This the bay, or platform No.3, at Newbridge Station, located on the down side. The old stone built goods store was once located here. A view of the attractive GSWR canopy building on the up platform at Newbridge Station. This is one of the ornate cast iron collumns which support the typical railway style canopy on the up platform at Newbridge Station.
The cast iron lattice style GSWR footbridge at Newbridge Station. It is attached to the main building on the down platform. This type of structure can also be seen at Portarlington further south. A view of the 1846 built station buildings at Newbridge, as seen from the forecourt. The former goods yard at the north end has been turned into a carpark.