Philadelphia and Trenton Low Grade Extension (abandoned)

The Thorndale extension of the P&T "Trenton Cutoff" was built around 1906 as a way for freight trains to avoid the significant grades on the Main Line alignment. Running almost parallel to the Main Line from Glendale to Thorndale, the Low Grade extension makes use of high viaducts, large fills and deep cuts to maintain a flat route.

The cutoff decreased in prominence after Conrail took over freight operations and Amtrak took over the old Main Line. As freight was routed away from the Main Line the P&T low grade line was abandoned between Glendale and Thorndale.