Why did Conrail remove one east bound rail, around the horseshoe curve?

Question

Was Conrail that broke to remove it Do you think Northfork Southren RR Will ever re-install, and make it a 4 track main line like it was years ago?

Answer 1

Conrail removed the fourth track soon after its 1976 startup, as it was simply not needed.  At the time there just wasn't enough traffic to warrant so many tracks and thus it was removed to cut down on maintenance costs.  

I suppose there is always a chance that NS could reinstate the extra track sometime if traffic levels would justify doing such but it probably won't be any time soon.