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Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

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By kiwi91

The Scenic Railroad Bridge Connecting Massachusetts Mainland to Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge connects the mainland Massachusetts area of Buzzards Bay in Boure to the rest of Cape Cod. The bridge is the second largest vertical lift bridge in the United States, and probably the most well known. The span of the bridge rises on to allow the occasional railroad car pass by. Recently remodeled in 2002, the bridge has undergone vast improvements and can be seen from several areas on the south side of the Cape Cod Canal.

The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, as seen from Mass Maritime in Buzzards Bay.

Sunset upon Buzzards Bay and the Railroad Bridge. Photo by Peter Gene on flickr under Creative Commons 2.0.
Sunset upon Buzzards Bay and the Railroad Bridge. Photo by Peter Gene on flickr under Creative Commons 2.0.

The bridge raises...

Facts About the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

  • The bridge is located in Bourne, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod, specifically the village of Buzzard's Bay.
  • The railroad bridge sits close to the southern end of the canal and the open Atlantic ocean.
  • The bridge was built from 1933-1935 by the Public Works Administration
  • When raised, the bridge is 135 feet high, and the width (span) is 544 feet.
  • The bridge connects Cape Cod with the rest of Massachusetts over the Cape Cod Canal
  • The canal was completed in 1916.
  • Another bridge stood in its place before the one present today.
  • The train was mainly built as a passenger train to ferry people from Boston to Hyannis.
  • The span of the bridge is balanced at each end by a 1,000 ton counterweight.
  • The bridge is used today mostly for dinner train rides and to haul trash to an incinerator in Rochester, MA, on the south shore.

From inside the train, crossing the bridge

Recommended Guides to Cape Cod

Frommer's Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard 2009 (Frommer's Complete) Frommer's Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard 2009 (Frommer's Complete)
Frommer's always delivers an easy to read, yet comprehensive travel guide to spot the best the area has to offer.
Price: $9.77
List Price: $17.99
Cape Cod: Illustrated Edition of the American Classic Cape Cod: Illustrated Edition of the American Classic
By Henry David Thoreau, this classic gives a glimpse of Cape Cod life back in the day.
Price: $12.40
List Price: $35.00
The Nature of Cape Cod The Nature of Cape Cod
50 detailed sites including sketches, photos and information to help you get around the Cape.
Price: $14.66
List Price: $22.95
The sun sets over Cape Cod. The Railroad Bridge can be seen in the distance. Photo by Peter Gene on flickr under Creative Commons 2.0.
The sun sets over Cape Cod. The Railroad Bridge can be seen in the distance. Photo by Peter Gene on flickr under Creative Commons 2.0.

Cape Cod Canal in the News

  • Cape Wind, National Grid deal in worksCape Cod Times33 hours ago

    An agreement is in the works that could clear the way for Cape Wind to secure critical financial support for the company's proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm.

  • Hanover Mite-B hockey team keeps winningHanover Mariner2 days ago

    Hanover Mite-B's were firing on all cylinders as they took on Cape Cod Canal at Gallo Rink in Bourne in an early Sunday morning game last week. The first period featured loads of up and down action. They say the key to a good offense is a good defense and the B's defense was stellar. 

  • What's happening on Cape Dec. 4-10Cape Cod Times18 hours ago

    There's lots of holiday cheer in the air and plenty of holiday activities and events this week to add to the fun. Check out our complete listing of holiday events, what's on stage and more.

The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm

The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm
The cradle of New England's shipping doubled as its casket, earning the sailing route around Cape Cod the nickname of graveyard of the Atlantic. From the moment sailors began rounding the Cape, they wished they could sail through it instead. Only after three hundred years of wrecked ships and bureaucratic limbo did August Belmont Jr. arrive- financier of New York's legendary subway system; breeder of one of the world's finest horses, Man O' War; and grandson of one of the world's most famous seamen, Commodore Matthew Perry, who opened Japan to the West. J. North Conway plunges into the character of Cape Cod, from its discovery to its chowder, and of the man who managed to cut a path through it.
Price: $12.84
List Price: $19.99

The train passes over the bridge

Taking the Tour Over the Bridge

You can tour the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge and pass over it on the Elegant Dinner Train offered by Cape Cod Central Railroad. The tour requires formal dress, and offers a 3 hour tour from Buzzards Bay to Hyannis, passing beautiful scenic marshes, villages, and of course, the canal itself. Tours depart from Buzzards Bay and Hyannis on alternating days. Check the schedule on the site for exact times. In the summer months, you should consider booking ahead, since the Cape is extremely busy.


Where to See the Bridge

The Railroad Bridge can be seen easily from many spots along the Cape Cod Canal. To get right up to the bridge, follow route 6 to Route 28 and the center of Buzzards Bay. The bridge can be viewed directly in front of you, and a parking lot next to the railroad station allows parking to walk the path alongside the canal and the bridge. You can also view the bridge from various parts of Onset, MA, and from boats entering the canal.

Ship Passing Under the Railroad Bridge

The USS Underwood passes under the Railroad Bridge.
The USS Underwood passes under the Railroad Bridge.

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Tipi  says:
7 months ago

I would love to visit Cape Cod! I have heard that it is a great place to go to find a peaceful place on this earth. Thanks for sharing about the bridge. Informative and very interesting!

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