Discuss as we wish, but like it or not the railroad, and the railroad tracks are here to stay. Railroad lines fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and a process is in place for the official abandonment of any rail line. Petitions for abandonment can not (and will not) be considered as long as there is existing passenger or freight usage (which in this case there is).
All across America there are railroad tracks going thru various locations that were once considered very rural. Here we are 140 years later, and many of these once rural places (such as the line we are discussing) have become developed and more importantly FAR MORE VALUABLE in terms of dollars and potential other developmental uses.
Simply put, many rail lines running through cities in the United States have skyrocketed in value just because of their existing easements and locations. New rail lines would NEVER be allowed in these valuable locations today, but because they pre-exist they are left alone. Imagine in 2021 someone proposing a rail line running from Alton Bay to the Weirs along the waterfront? No way today, but back in 1880 that was perfectly acceptable, and the land wasn't nearly as valuable.
Think about it; if the concept of abandoning rail lines to pursue other (and maybe better) uses were allowed, then this would be happening all over the United States as communities and folks see fit. It's not going to happen as long as the Interstate Commerce Commission regulates the Railroads.
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