branch line

American  

noun

1. a rail line, directly or indirectly connected with a main line, having its own stations and service.

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branch line British  

noun

1. railways a secondary route to a place or places not served by a main line

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Etymology

Origin of branch line

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

National Rail said water had risen above the tracks between Clifton Down in Bristol and Severn Beach, meaning trains could not run on the branch line.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2024

When a branch line was built from Goshen to Visalia in 1874, people had high hopes that it would lead to prosperity for the town, but the boom never arrived.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2023

Speed restrictions also remain in place on the East Coast Mainline, North Berwick branch line, and Borders Railway.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2022

Before the rise of the automobile killed off the old branch line, its little steam locomotives puffed by so slowly that passengers would toss their bags out as the train passed their homes.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2018

“Och, no, not to Aberdeen. The next train’s the branch line to Castle Craig.”

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein