Building bridges: progress on replacing the Sagamore and Bourne

Dec 20, 2024

Built in 1935, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges span the Cape Cod Canal and connect residents, businesses, and visitors on the Cape and Islands to the mainland. The bridges are essential for general transportation, freight, and tourism, and in an emergency are critical routes for evacuation. The bridges are the only connection to and from Cape Cod for vehicular traffic.

The nearly 90-year-old bridges are both considered “functionally obsolete,” and a plan to replace both bridges is underway. Much has happened this year to move the project closer to construction.

What we know

The project will include replacement of both the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Details on the location, design, and construction sequence for the new bridges have been shared and posted on the project page. A total of $2.4 billion in funding for the project has been secured - $1.72 billion in federal funds and $700 million from the state.

What's new

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has made recommendations for the approaches to the new bridges and the interchanges that will connect to the adjacent communities. Plans were showcased during the Open House event held in Bourne on November 18, 2024. Materials from the Open house are posted at mass.gov/cape-bridges.

During its December 16, 2024 meeting, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization approved FFY2025-2029 TIP Amendment 2, which included funding for the Cape Cod Bridges Program Phase 1 (Sagamore Bridge). The vote allows $480 million to be programmed in FFY 2025-2029, through a combination of federal grants and state matching funding, with additional funds to be programmed in future years.

What's next

Permitting is moving along, with a draft Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report anticipated in Spring 2025.

Construction on Phase One, replacement of the Sagamore Bridge, could begin in 2028.

For updated information, please visit www.capecodcommission.org/canal or mass.gov/cape-bridges.