Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box

The Lithgow Coal Stage Signal Box is a heritage-listed former railway bridge and now railway signal box at Gas Works Lane, Lithgow, City of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by New South Wales Government Railways and built from 1885 to 1925 by NSW Government Railways. The property is owned by Transport Asset Holding Entity, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 30 August 2013.

The line opened in 1869 but there was no station for Lithgow until 1877.

Lithgow Coal Stage Box is the third built in this locality and was constructed in 1925 to cater for the expanded marshalling yards and locomotive depot which replaced the original Eskbank locomotive depot. It was a standard design of the period. The box takes its name from the 1888 unique on-line overhead coaling bunker, now demolished, but which existed when the box was built and was situated immediately westwards. It controlled access to and from the locomotive depot, local colliery branch lines as well as locomotives using the 1888 on-line overhead coaling bunker. Initially, it contained 64 mechanical levers but now many of those are not in use. In 1957 with electrification of the Lithgow Yard its signalling system was adapted for changing technology including electric light signalling. The original timber steps have been replaced by metal steps.

The complex comprises a type 1, timber elevated coal stage signal box, erected in 1925.

Externally, the Signal Box is a large rectangular elevated timber framed traditional signal box of a standard design with a hipped corrugated iron roof, lapped timber weatherboard wall cladding and timber framed sliding multi-pane sash windows. At the east end there is a recent steel framed staircase with a landing above the ground floor entry door.

Internally, the signal control room's walls are clad with flat beaded edge boards with flat asbestos cement panels sheeting to the ceiling. The signal and point control level mechanism remains of 64 levers while 41 still operating levers have been sympathetically adapted to operate the power light signals, points and track diagram. Also retained is an older model of telephone system, bells and other signal tools. The ground floor has exposed timber frame and ceiling/floor with the chains and rods of the interlocking lever mechanism. The space is also used for storage purposes.

As at 10 December 2009, the condition of the building and equipment is good.

The Signal Box retains a high level of intactness, and its integrity is excellent due to its operational status.