Central Mass Crossing From Above
Here is another from the favorites of 2018 file that I've not shared before. This is just run of the mill Keolis/MBTA train 413 headed west (outbound from Boston) to Wachusett on the Fitchburg Line behind GP40MC 1133.
Prior to 1980 the Fitchburg was a heavy haul freight route, but in that year clearances were improved on the New Hampshire route mainline and concurrently the Hill Crossing freight cutoff in Cambridge was abandoned to make way for a red line subway extension. Consequently all Boston bound freight from points west started traveling via Lowell and then west across the Stony Brook to Ayer. Other than locals (that dwindled to virtually none over the years) this stretch of mainline has been passenger only for nearly four decades (excepting some rare detours over the years).
This particular location 12.7 miles from North Station on the Fitchburg is taken from the old B&M Central Mass Branch overpass. This old truss bridge last felt the weight of a freight train the same year thru freights were pulled off the mainline below. It seems 1980 was a sad year for this location in all directions. The rails remain on the bridge and to the east into Waltham (the way I'm looking) but behind me the old Central Mass right of way has been turned into a nice new paved bike path like so many other former railroads in the region.
Weston, Massachusetts
Monday July 23, 2018
Central Mass Crossing From Above
Here is another from the favorites of 2018 file that I've not shared before. This is just run of the mill Keolis/MBTA train 413 headed west (outbound from Boston) to Wachusett on the Fitchburg Line behind GP40MC 1133.
Prior to 1980 the Fitchburg was a heavy haul freight route, but in that year clearances were improved on the New Hampshire route mainline and concurrently the Hill Crossing freight cutoff in Cambridge was abandoned to make way for a red line subway extension. Consequently all Boston bound freight from points west started traveling via Lowell and then west across the Stony Brook to Ayer. Other than locals (that dwindled to virtually none over the years) this stretch of mainline has been passenger only for nearly four decades (excepting some rare detours over the years).
This particular location 12.7 miles from North Station on the Fitchburg is taken from the old B&M Central Mass Branch overpass. This old truss bridge last felt the weight of a freight train the same year thru freights were pulled off the mainline below. It seems 1980 was a sad year for this location in all directions. The rails remain on the bridge and to the east into Waltham (the way I'm looking) but behind me the old Central Mass right of way has been turned into a nice new paved bike path like so many other former railroads in the region.
Weston, Massachusetts
Monday July 23, 2018