History of the Newport Secondary

Mile Post

New Haven Operations Train Symbol: BX-1 From: Fall River, MA Time: 9:30 A.M. Days: Monday-Saturday Effective: Oct. 28, 1962

Myricks Assonet Somerset Junction Fall River Tiverton Portsmouth Melville Middletown Newport

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Penn Central Operations Train Symbol: BX-1 From: Middleboro, MA Effective: 1970

Conrail Operations Train Symbol: BX-1 From: Middleboro, MA Time: 8:30 A.M. Days: Tuesday-Thursday Effective: 1979

During the 1960's Newport's freight service was reduced by the New Haven RR to three times a week and eventually once a week.  The Newport Secondary south of Portsmouth wasn't to be included with Conrail but the Portsmouth to Tiverton section was to be included.  Freight traveled to Newport via the Tiverton Movable Bridge over Conrail track to Portsmouth. Service was provided on an as needed basis.       When the P&W took over the line they still had Conrail service it. The P&W ran only a few trains over the years on this line. One of the trains included a ballast extra loaded with the old light blue P&W hoppers. The P&W still has freight trackage rights on this line but is unable to go south past the Tiverton Movable Bridge since it is inoperable at the present time.  However south beyond the bridge the line is still used by both the Old Colony & Newport RR and the Newport Dinner Train. Rumors have come up here and there about restoring this line for potential commuter service.