The Fore River Railroad, a 2.5-mile short line in Quincy, Massachusetts, has defied the odds by surviving and thriving for 122 years. Originally established in 1903 to serve a new shipyard, the railroad was formally incorporated in 1919. Despite the shipyard’s closure in 1986, the Fore River Railroad continues to operate, thanks to a combination of adaptability, strategic partnerships, and its role in the Boston Harbor cleanup effort.
Initially, the railroad was vital for the Quincy shipyard, which changed ownership several times, including periods under Bethlehem Steel and General Dynamics. When the shipyard closed after a long history of building various vessels, including warships during WWII, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) acquired the property and the railroad in 1987. This acquisition proved crucial for the railroad’s survival, as the site became essential for the Boston Harbor cleanup. The facility now processes sludge from the Deer Island wastewater treatment plant, contributing to the area’s environmental efforts.
The railroad’s history is closely tied to Thomas A. Watson, an assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, who founded the shipyard. When the New Haven Railroad declined to build a branch to his shipyard, Watson constructed his own connecting line, which began operations in 1903. Over the years, the railroad’s motive power evolved from early steam locomotives to diesel engines, including GE 50 toners, Whitcombs, GE 70 toners, and an Alco S6 switcher, which remains on-site and is owned by the MWRA.
Today, the Fore River Railroad is owned by the MWRA and operated by Fore River Transportation. It connects the deepwater anchorage at Quincy Point to CSX in Braintree, Massachusetts, running over the MBTA’s Greenbush Commuter Line. While its role in MWRA operations is currently minimal, its primary customer is Twin Rivers Technologies, an oleochemical works. Twin Rivers receives raw materials by ship and rail and ships refined products via tank cars, resulting in over 5,000 car movements annually.
Daily operations on the Fore River Railroad are a display of efficient teamwork. The railroad operates five days a week, coordinating with CSX for interchanges. A typical day begins the night before at Twin Rivers, where crews prepare cars for the morning move. Train movements are handled by former-Conrail General Electric B23-7 locomotives. The crew, consisting of an engineer, conductor, and brakeman, navigate the line’s 2% grade and tight curves, coordinating with the MBTA for clearance on shared tracks.
Looking to the future, the Fore River Railroad’s current business is stable due to Twin Rivers Technologies. However, the railroad could benefit from diversifying its customer base. Its strategic location, with water access and a large yard, presents possibilities for growth and continued success.
Read Stephen Delaney’s full article on the Fore River RR in the May 2025 issue of Trains Magazine.
This line needs a mileage collector fantrip!
sorry for the duplicate post.
Happened upon the railroad two weeks ago while looking for the USS Salem. On site: 4 cabooses, an S6 (OOS) and a Gp 38. Sign out front says: The railroad that carried battleships. The USS Salem is adjacent but opens in April for a visit. What a fun chance occurrence. Cheeers.
While working on installation of the signals on the MBCR Greenbush line, I had occasion to see their yard, which looked like a locomotive museum. Also saw the transfer runs through their connection to the Greenbush line.
I happened upon this railroad two weeks ago while caring for family in Boston. I went looking for the USS Salem, not knowing that the Fore River Railroad served the same port facility. On site, was an Alco S6 (OOS), a GP 38 as well as the U boat. While there, the engine house door opened and the B 36 chugged to live. Also present were 4 cabooses, PRR N5b, NYC bay window, another tucked into the engine house, and one in DRG&W colors. The sign in front of the engine house says: The railroad that carried battleships. Oh, I did find the USS Salem but it is not open for a visit until April. What a fun chance occurrence. Cheers.
My Father was a welder at the shipyard during WWII building Destroyers.
A bona fide bravo to the exemplary FRVT for still managing to survive!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
When I read TRAINS last week, I couldn’t believe it. A railroad in my own hometown I never heard of! I’ve had family in Quincy most of my life (and briefly lived there myself). Yes I’ve seen the tank cars in the Braintree yard but assumed they were delivered by CSX, not a short line.
Considering the convoluted detour to get freight to or from Braintree (Selkirk to Framingham to Mansfield to Attleboro to Taunton to Middleborough to Braintree), its quite significant that any freight traffic exists.