Good place to view the Acela

My 5 year old%26#39;s a rail fan, and I was wondering if there was a bridge we could watch the train do its thing when we visit this summer.

Thanks.

Good place to view the Acela

Why not go to one of the stations instead to see all kinds of trains: South Station or Back Bay Station.

Good place to view the Acela

I agree with Alan not too many bridges that give you a good view to see trains.

Go to South Station. You can put your hands right on an Acela train. They do have security, but I%26#39;d bet anything a 5-year old can talk his/her way onto a tour. Be sure to check the schedules to make sure one%26#39;s there. There%26#39;s usually one there in the morning -- about 8:00.

Thanks for the info. We%26#39;ll be staying with family in Manchester, NH. Not sure if we can make an 8:00 photo op. I%26#39;ll check the schedule when it gets closer.

Dawn

If you do want to see the train en route, the Brookline Avenue overpass (right next to Fenway Park) will give you a decent look.

Unfortunately the Acela does not operate on the tracks that go near Fenway Park. The tracks are in fact underground from Back Bay Station to just past Mass. Ave. They emerge by the Mass. Ave. Orange Line station.

The only bridges you could see the train from are the ones crossing the Mass. Turnpike and the railroad tracks -- Berkeley St., Arlington St., Shawmut Ave., Washington St., and Harrison Ave. Better to visit South Station, or if you want to see it arrive and depart, Back Bay Station. You are allowed on the platforms even without a ticket.

Update:

There were no Acela trains at 8:10 AM -- but today, there were two trains at 11:30. -- Again, this was at South Station where you can walk right up to the train on the platform.

You could go to Route 128 Station (Dedham) and stand on top of the bridge (its inside) and watch the Acela come in and leave... My son is the same way and LOVES the Acela. He even videotapes it. You can even take the train from South Station to the 128 station.

South Station is great but you can%26#39;t see the Acela actually move!

I%26#39;ll ask my son, he%26#39;ll know where you can see it whizz by and will write back tomorrow.

I%26#39;m reading everything. Thanks.

If you follow the platform at Back Bay, you can take the stairs all the way at the end (Berkeley St.). From there you can see the train pass right under you. Or go to the sidewalk and watch from the bridge (also over the Mass Pike).