The first contract for construction was let on 29 April 1879 .
It was not until 15 December 1885 that the first 12.79 km to Romahapa from the junction with the Main South Line in Balclutha were opened .
The first contract for construction was let on 29 April 1879 , but it was not until 15 December 1885 that the first 12.79 km to Romahapa from the junction with the Main South Line in Balclutha were opened .