The Underwater Rail Trail of the CMRR – Wachusett Dam and Reservoir

The Underwater Rail Trail 1895

Is it the Mass Central or the Central Mass??

rThe Massachusetts Central Railroad (the Mass Central) was built through the Nashua River Valley with trains running as far as Jefferson by 1882.

In 1883 operations were suspended due to financial difficulties and, following reorganization, operations were resumed in 1887 under the name of the Central Massachusetts Branch of the B&M Railroad (the Central Mass).

Ultimately, with the advent of the Wachusett Reservoir the line was relocated in 1903 directly to Clinton as the Southern Division of the Central Massachusetts Branch of the B&M Railroad.

For Rail Trail buffs who like to hike, this article is about the trail you will never see.

Thanks,

Paul

In this video, follow the path of the Central Massachusetts Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad (formerly the Massachusetts Central Railroad) as it winds its way East from the bridge at West Street in Berlin, past the quarry in Boylston and beneath the Wachusett Reservoir to where it emerges in Oakdale near the modern Mass Central Rail Trail.

Be sure to see the related 1903 Relocation section (link below).