Witham to Maldon branch line
Closed railway line in Essex, England / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Witham to Maldon branch line?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Witham to Maldon branch line is a closed railway line joining Maldon to the British railway network at Witham in Essex, England. It was opened in 1848 and was 5+3⁄4 miles (9 km) long. It was extended to Woodham Ferris (later Woodham Ferrers) to give direct access to Southend-on-Sea, but that extension was not commercially successful.
The Woodham Ferrers extension was closed to passenger traffic in 1939 and completely in 1953. The original main line from Maldon to Witham also declined in passenger carryings; efforts to stimulate business included the introduction of low-cost diesel railbuses and a more intensive passenger service. This proved to be in vain and the passenger service was withdrawn in 1964. A residual goods service continued but, from 1980, the line was completely closed.