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Watching Trains Cross the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

Most visitors (and plenty of locals) have never seen the Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge in action, with the massive lift span lowered and a train rolling right across the waterway.

When this bridge went into service in 1935, it was the world's longest vertical lift railroad bridge. Watching the center span lower and a train cross the Canal is an unforgettable experience!

When to See Trains on the Railroad Bridge

Throughout the day, the bridge is mostly kept in the "up" position so ships can pass underneath. It only lowers about 10 minutes before a train is due to cross.

The trick to seeing the railroad bridge in operation is: knowing when a train is coming.

Year-Round Trains

Trash-hauling trains cross the railroad bridge every day except Sunday, all year round.

Their schedule isn't set in stone. But we usually see them coming over the Canal shortly before 8:00 a.m., and going back off-Cape sometime between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. 

My nephew staked out this spot to watch the bridge do its thing.

Seasonal Trains

In summer, weekend excursion trains like the CapeFlyer and  Cape Cod Central’s special “Canal Excursion Trains” also use the bridge.

Check their schedules for Buzzards Bay. If the train’s headed onto the Cape, it’ll cross the bridge right after. If it’s heading off-Cape, the train is already over the bridge by the time it arrives at Buzzards Bay station.

While I was waiting for the lift span to lower, these birds started diving on a bait school. Wish I’d had my fishing rod handy!"

Best Places to Watch From

My two favorite spots are:

• Tidal Flats Recreation Area on the Cape side of the Canal 
  
  
• Buzzards Bay Recreation Area on the mainland side of the Canal

Here they are (marked with stars) on an interactive map:

Click to go to live Google map of the best viewing locations.

*FYI: Parking is free at the recreation areas all year round. No passes or fees required.

What You'll See

When it's “show time,” the bridge operator will sound two long blasts from an air horn. (It's a warning signal to ships on the Canal — and it’s loud!)

That’s how you'll know something’s about to happen.

She’s half-way down, and I could hear the train on the other side of the Canal getting ready to come across.

The lift span lowers slowly and steadily until it's level with the tracks on both sides of the Canal.

Once it’s fully lowered, the train is just minutes away from crossing. 

It only takes a couple minutes for the train to cross. Pretty cool to watch from alongside the Canal!

Quick Answers to More Questions About Train-Watching at the Canal

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