I live in exeter, NH and just up the road past route 101 begins a spur that comes off the main line and cuts through a farm, paralelling the main line for about 1.5 miles. There is still evidence of this old single track, minus bridges that appear to have eroded away. It then appears to connect with the main near the existing track signals in Newfields.

I have always wondered what it was for, perhaps a wye to avoid using the main line--anybody know?

BC

I think I know what you are refering to but I have only seen it once while travelling on the Downeaster. (Not even sure if we are talking about the same point) If we are thinking of the same section of track, it appears that it was possibly an older alignment of the original B&M line? It was to the east of the main line and had it's own grade for a while. It looked verry old and as if it were abandoned a long time ago.
Anyone else?
Eric.

I've always wondered about that but never researched it. . Heading south (railroad west) it diverges from the signal tower at 258 in a westerly direction yes? Where does it rejoin the main line? I used to think it was an abandoned road, but my current theory is it was a spur to a quarry operation (stone culverts and bridge abutments) in or near what is now the Henderson Swasey forest. check with the Exeter Historical society for pre civil war maps.