Was there ever serious consideration given to adding an additional 2 tracks, as a number of bridge abutments suggests, or was it simply a matter of the NH having the foresight to plan ahead in case extra capacity would ever be needed?
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4 tracking of the Shore Line east of New Haven
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Yes, that was once the plan and the reason for the four-track abutments, but the New Haven's financial troubles following its early 20th century attempt at buying up every railroad, trolley line, and steamship line in southern New England left it without enough cash to finish the job.