in 1969, Methven still retained a small diesel shunting locomotive in 1972. Traffic simply was not sufficient to justify the continued existence of the line and it was closed on 31 July 1976. Today Remnants of closed railway lines naturally diminish and disappear over time due to both natural and human impacts, though some relics of the Methven Branch can still be found. As recently as the late 1990s the station sign in Rakaia still stated "Rakaia: change here for Methven Branch" - despite the fact passenger services on the branch had concluded roughly four decades previously. At the south end of the yard, where the branch left the main line, some rails remained in place. The line required little in the way of significant earthworks, but the formation closely followed Thompson Track and then Line Road and can still be traced; some rails remain embedded in the road surface where Jamieson's Road meets Thompson Track. Some bridge abutments can also be sighted, and goods sheds remain in Lauriston and Lyndhurst. In the latter locale, loading platforms built to serve sidings from the railway can still be seen at two businesses. Only one railway building now remains in Methven, though the embankment the railway used as it approached the town is still apparent. The 'Railway Reserve' in the centre of Methven is a small park adjacent to the Blue Pub and Medical Centre and was the site of the railway station. References Citations Bibliography Hermann, Bruce J; South Island Branch Lines pp 12,13 (1997, New Zealand Railway & Locomotive Society, Wellington) External links An Ab locomotive and train approaching Rakaia on the Methven-Rakaia Branch c1940 (photo) Railway lines in New Zealand Rail transport in Canterbury, New Zealand Railway lines opened in 1880 Railway lines closed in 1976 Closed railway lines in New Zealand