theseaandalifesaver wrote:I'm sure the rails are unusable. But as far as the entire ROW being intact, there hasn't been anything built on it, correct?The ROW is fairly intact for the most part. Most of the grade crossings have been paved over, and would likely require modern protection if the line was to be reopened. There is nothing actually built on the ROW that I am aware of, but the cement and gravel plant on the Albany/Conway town line seems to have used it as a parking area for equipment and such. There is also a section of track in this area that is said to have been blocked off by the B&M or Guilford soon afterabandonment, to prevent the Conway Scenic from heading south. I haven't actually seem this obstruction though.
Even though the ROW is intact and unobstructed, it would still need to be entirely rebuilt before having either passenger of freight trains. All new rails, ties and balast would be needed, as well as drainage work, as I've heard parts of this line are prone to flooding. Grade crossings would all need to be modernized, as stated above. Brush cutting would also be need too, as many trees and bushes have likely grown in on some places over the years.