PRR Philadelphia & Thorndale Low-Grade Freight Bypass (Abandoned)

 railway, abandoned / shut down, historical layer / disappeared object

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The Philadelphia & Thorndale low-grade line was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad around 1906 as a way for steam-powered freight trains to avoid the significant grades on the Main Line alignment. Running almost parallel to the Main Line from Glen Loch to Thorndale, this Low Grade bypass makes use of high viaducts, large fills and deep cuts to maintain a flat route. The line was originally planned to run farther to the south and east to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, where it would have rejoined the Main Line alignment.

After Conrail took control of all freight operations, Harrisburg-bound freight was shifted off the former PRR system and rerouted via the former Reading Railroad's freight main line, reducing the importance of the bypass significantly. Finally in 1990, the rails were removed and the right-of-way was completely abandoned.