Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

The vertical-lift bridge spans 544 feet across Cape Cod Canal, allowing trains to cross while marine vessels pass underneath through lifting mechanisms.

The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge started operations on December 29, 1935, as part of infrastructure improvements connecting mainland Massachusetts with Cape Cod.

Engineers and transportation planners study this bridge as an example of vertical-lift bridge construction techniques from the early 20th century.

The bridge structure lifts 135 feet above the water level when ships need to pass, requiring coordination between marine traffic and railway schedules.

The bridge contains 1,100 tons of mechanical equipment and counterweights, making it one of the largest lift bridges in the eastern United States.

Location: Bourne

Inception: December 29, 1935

Architects: John Alexander Low Waddell

Official opening: December 29, 1935

GPS coordinates: 41.74194,-70.61361

Latest update: May 10, 2025 21:40