Benalla says goodbye to historic signal box

Better Benalla Rail managed to get an interim protection order on the structure in January 2024.

However, Heritage Victoria declined to make the order permanent based on the condition of the signal box, and the fact it was not deemed unique enough to warrant saving.

Inland rail distributed a works' notification to local residents on Thursday, March 13 outlining its upcoming removal.

“The Benalla Signal Box is being removed as it conflicts with new rail and pedestrian infrastructure being constructed as part of Inland Rail,” the notice read.

“In accordance with our planning approval conditions, removal works will be undertaken between Saturday, March 22 and Monday, March 24.”

Materials identified as suitable for salvage during the removal works will be catalogued and stored off-site for heritage interpretation of the signal box within the new station precinct.