Brevik Station

Brevik
Location	Brevik, Porsgrunn Norway
Coordinates	59°03′14″N 9°41′24″E / 59.054°N 9.690°E / 59.054; 9.690Coordinates: 59°03′14″N 9°41′24″E / 59.054°N 9.690°E / 59.054; 9.690
Elevation	11.6 m (38 ft)
Owned by	Norwegian State Railways
Line(s)	Brevik Line
Distance	202.62 km (125.90 mi)
History
Opened	16 October 1895
Closed	1 December 1982
Location
Brevik Location within Norway

Brevik Station (Norwegian: Brevik stasjon) is a former railway station located at Strømtangen in the village of Brevik in Porsgrunn, Norway. It served as the terminus of the Brevik Line from 16 October 1895 to the station closed on 1 December 1982. The station building is designed by Paul Due in Romansque style, is preserved and has been listed as a cultural heritage site. There was a major political discussion if the station should be located at Strømtangen or Setretangen. Construction commenced in 1893 and opened on 15 October 1895. The station initially saw heavy intercity traffic as it served the coastal ferries onwards to Agder until 1927. The main traffic was however a commuter train service to Porsgrunn and Skien, which operated until 1 February 1964. All passenger transport ceased on 26 May 1968. The station building was renovated in the late 1980s and is now used for office space.

Proposals for a railway to Brevik were first put forward in 1875, but not until 4 July 1891 did Parliament pass legislation to build the line. With national funding secured, the political debate moved to the location of the station in Brevik. Locations at Setretangen and Strømtangen were proposed. Setretangen would give a station closer to the village center, while Strømtangen would give access to docks which had less ice during winter. A public meeting was called in January 1892 by the proponents of the former to secure public support. As the public seemed to support Strømtangen, the organizers never let the issue come to a vote. The issue was then discussed in the municipal council's executive board, where four against one members supported the Strømtangen alternative. The location was finally decided by the municipal council on 25 June 1892, when sixteen against four aldermen voted in favor of Strømtangen, and subsequently approved by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB).