'Critical Maintenance' To Sagamore Bridge Means Lane Closure

BOURNE, MA — Traffic getting onto and off of the Cape is about to get a lot slower.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and US Army Corps of Engineers announced that, beginning on March 1, the Sagamore Bridge will be reduced to one lane as "critical maintenance" is performed on the aging structure.

Though the start date is technically dependent on weather, officials have noted the anticipated March 1 date.

MassDOT said that work is expected to stretch through the end of May.

The Sagamore and Bourne Bridge 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.

Both are slated to be replaced, and the project has a total estimated cost of $3.976 billion. It would replace both bridges and improve the adjoining roadway network. It will also provide for better bicycle and pedestrian access.