The contract was terminated on 28 March 1917 and construction passed to the Railway Commissioners who promptly suspended work.

[7][8][9] It was almost two years after the end of the First World War that the Railway Commissioners decided to press ahead with construction.

[10] Delays occurred due to landslips and washaway and it was not until 27 September 1924 that a construction train reached Dorrigo.

In the early days of the line, the NSWGR obtained sleepers for the North Coast region from the area.

By the end of December 1972, it was becoming apparent there was little prospect of the line re-opening as the Public Transport Commission, the Authority then charged with operating the State's railways, would give no indication of its intentions.

Dorrigo station remained open until November, 1979, providing staff to facilitate the road transport of goods between there and Raleigh.