Cape Cod's Sagamore Bridge replacement project will be bolstered by funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
"This is a game-changing award for Massachusetts. We've never been closer to rebuilding the Cape Cod Bridges than we are right now. This funding will be critical for getting shovels in the ground," said Gov. Maura Healey to the Associated Press.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been awarded approximately $1 billion in federal dollars for the construction of the replacement spans over the Cape Cod Canal.
The Healey administration also pledged $700 million in state funding. The total cost of replacing both bridges is estimated at about $4.5 billion.
In January 2023, funding was denied to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.
The state will focus on replacing the Sagamore Bridge which sees more traffic and more accidents, according to Healey.
"Replacing these aging bridges will bring immense economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region and the entire Commonwealth," said Mass. Sen. Ed Markey.
Healey also pledged that the new bridges will have a great economic impact on Cape Cod by creating jobs and ensuring safe travel.
Currently the bridges are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once the bridges are replaced, they will be transferred to MassDOT, which will own and operate them.
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Source: The Associated Press, CBS Boston
