Part of the rationale for the line was a connection to the Thirsk and Malton Railway, which the Newcastle and Darlington Junction had obtained an act for (1846) but not built. A case was brought against that company's successor the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway (YN&BR) to complete the line. As a result, a second act was obtained with the work completed 1853. The Malton and Driffield company subscribed £35,000 towards the scheme with the YN&BR contributing the other part. In the same time period (1850s) the York and North Midland Railway held £40,000 worth of shares in the M&DJR.