MassDOT Reaches ‘Significant Milestone’ in Cape Cod Bridges Rebuild
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) filed a draft Environmental Impact Report for the replacement of the Cape Cod Bridges in Bourne, calling it a “significant milestone” in the project.
“The Cape Cod Bridges Project will improve transportation for millions of Cape residents and visitors, while creating thousands of good jobs and supporting local businesses and our economy,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in a statement. “This environmental report is an important step forward in this project, and it also incorporates feedback we have heard directly from the community.”
MassDOT plans to replace the almost 90-year-old Sagamore and Bourne Bridges with twin-bridge structures. This will separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions with their own bridge, increasing safety and improving traffic flow.
The old bridges are structurally deficient, require frequent maintenance and no longer adequately meet the needs of users, according to MassDOT. The replacements will include wider lanes, left and right shoulders, updated signs and pavement markings, and an auxiliary lane for cars entering and exiting onto local roadways.
“The Cape Cod Bridges are lifelines for our residents, visitors, and workforce — and essential to public safety,” said Paul Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “Advancing this environmental review brings us one step closer to the modern, reliable bridges our region needs. More than 10,000 businesses and 230,000 residents depend on them every day.”
The project will also redo surrounding Cape Cod Canal area streets, many of which are currently narrow and do not have sidewalks. The Environmental Impact Report included safety improvements near the Bourne Rotary in response to requests from town residents and officials.
The future construction of the Bourne Bridge will add a 12-foot wide shared-use path along Sandwich Road, from the Upper Cape Cod Technical High School to the Gallo Ice Arena.
“It's in the interest of bicyclists and pedestrian safety, and it will support not only the students at the school, but all travelers in the area who are moving by bike and on foot,” MassDOT Megaprojects Delivery Office Executive Director Luisa Paiewonsky told WCAI.