By the time Boston and Maine took over the railroad in 1884, the line had already become obsolete due to competing branches.

Boston and Maine eventually halted passenger service in 1925 by abandoning 8 miles of track between Peabody and Lynnfield.

The tracks of the former Wakefield branch continued to operate from Lynnfield to Boston until 1959 when passenger service ended.

In 1851, the Eastern Railroad, fearing that the B&M would take over the South Reading, in self-defense took over the line at steep cost.

Freight service was recently suspended due to closing of factory in Peabody, which was the branch's only customer.