The railroad between New Haven and New London was originally a single track, but to allow higher speed and more frequent trains it was double-tracked and completed in 1894. At that time, the Hole in the Wall was constructed. Underpasses such as this were commonly built to prevent dangerous and illegal railroad crossings by pedestrians. In Niantic, this underpass also provides access to the shore, and coastal access continues to play an important role in East Lyme's economy.