Branch line facts for kids

A branch line is a smaller railway track that connects to a bigger, more important railway line, often called a main line. Think of it like a small road that branches off a main highway. Sometimes, a very short branch line is called a spur line. Even though many branch lines might not make a lot of money on their own, they are super important because they help the main lines be successful.

What is a Branch Line?

A branch line is a railway track that splits off from a main railway route. It usually goes to a town, factory, or port that isn't directly on the main line. These lines help transport goods and people to and from smaller places.

Why are Branch Lines Important?

Branch lines are vital for connecting different areas to the main railway network. They allow trains to reach places that might not have enough traffic for a full main line. For example, they can serve:

• Factories that need to ship products.
• Farms that send crops to market.
• Towns where people need to travel.

Different Kinds of Branch Lines

Some branch lines are used for passengers, helping people travel between smaller towns and bigger cities. Others are mostly for freight, carrying goods like coal, timber, or manufactured products. A spur line is an even shorter branch line, often just a few miles long, that might go directly into a factory or a mine.

History of Branch Lines

Branch lines became very common during the 1800s and early 1900s. As railways grew, companies wanted to connect more towns and industries. Building a full main line was expensive, so branch lines were a great way to expand the network without huge costs. Many towns grew because they had a branch line connecting them to the rest of the country.

Images for kids

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  This picture shows a railway connection between a new high-speed railway and an older, historical rail network in Germany.

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  This is a freight branch line in New Jersey, USA. It carries goods to a paper mill, an industrial park, and a lumber yard. The main railway line is about six miles away.

See also

In Spanish: Ramal ferroviario para niños