Lexington and West Cambridge Railroad
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The Lexington & Arlington Railroad was built in 1843. It was double tracked and originally proceeded only as far west as Lexington; it was later extended to Bedford, Concord, and Billerica. At one time 19 trains a day stopped in Lexington.
The branch never created much traffic. By 1900, trains only went as far as Reformatory Station. Service was cut back to Concord Station in 1927. In 1962 the extensions from Bedford-Concord and Bedford-Billerica were abandoned. It was noted at the time that the Bedford-Concord Section had only seen 19 cars in 19 years. During a 1977 snow storm an RDC was stranded in the snow at Bedford. Passenger service never resumed. In 1979 the Interstate Commerce Commission gave permission for the B&M to stop running freights on the line. Common Power on the branch during that time was SW # 1227. Despite permission the B&M continued to operate service until 1981. The last train to ply the line was hauled by a GP9 and 23 cars.
The right of way was railbanked in 1991, and reused for the Minuteman Bikeway.
