MassDOT Hosting Cape Cod Bridge Replacement Meetings

CAPE COD, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will host another set of public information meetings regarding the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.

These meetings are scheduled for this week, on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Both are virtual, and attendees can register for the Tuesday meeting here, and the Thursday meeting here.

According to Barnstable officials, the meeting will begin with a presentation.

"Opportunities for public comment and questions will follow the presentations, which will cover the status of the program, bridge types, proposed bridge lane configurations, potential bridge locations and next steps," officials added.

This meeting comes after MassDOT and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were dealt a blow when it comes to funding the replacement projects when their $1.882 billion grant proposal wasn't selected in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration's first round of Bridge Investment Program grants.

In total, the project is estimated to cost nearly $4 billion, and the $1.882 billion requested would have represented 47 percent of those costs, officials said.

The two bridges provide the only roadway connection on and off Cape Cod for the 263,000 residents of the Cape and Islands, as well as 5 million annual visitors, MassDOT said.

The project has a total estimated cost of $3.976 billion and would replace both bridges and improve the adjoining roadway network. It will also provide better bicycle and pedestrian access.

Read more: Grant Application Denied For Bourne, Sagamore Bridge Replacement

In December 2022, three local Cape Cod organizations teamed up to form the Canal Bridges Task Force, hoping to add their insight into the process.

The task force is made up of the Cape Cod Commission, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod. The purpose of the Task Force, according to a news release, is to share information, assist with outreach efforts, collect and coordinate input, and advocate for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges in a manner that is the best long-term interest of the region and its people.

"Our federal and state delegations and agencies are making marked progress in identifying, developing, and funding sustainable solutions, and deliberate action from our communities is needed now," the news release said.

Read more: Cape Cod Groups Form Task Force As MassDOT Plans Bridge Replacements