The awkward permanent way with Downpatrick railway station being on a branch necessitated the construction of the triangle and Loop platform.

Therefore, trains could call at Downpatrick or use the avoiding line with connections for passengers and goods at the Loop Platform, thereby making the railway operationally from a signalling point of view, more efficient using a railway triangle.

[2] Because the Loop Platform had no road access, it was spared demolition unlike most of the BCDR mainline from Belfast Queen's Quay to Newcastle.

In Spring 2014, the Loop Line (The former mainline which avoided Downpatrick) was re-laid and the platform refurbished.

Due to its isolated nature and simplistic features, it is a popular filming location and was used as Polegate Junction in Agatha and the Truth of Murder, as well as Derry Girls Season 3 episode Strangers on a Train.