This Program is a continuation of previous studies conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to evaluate the current condition and recommend improvements to the Cape Cod Canal bridges and roadways.
MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning (OTP) Cape Cod Canal Transportation Study
MassDOT's Cape Cod Canal Transportation Study, completed in October 2019, was launched to identify existing and future multimodal transportation deficiencies, and needs around the Cape Cod Canal area. This conceptual planning study's findings provide recommendations for improving multimodal connectivity and reliability across the Canal.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Major Rehabilitation Evaluation (MRE) Study
The purpose of the study was to determine whether major rehabilitation or replacement of the Bourne and/or Sagamore Highway Bridges would provide the most reliable, fiscally responsible solution for the future. The Study culminated in the Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report (MRER) which was published in March 2020.
USACE Decision
On April 3, 2020, an official decision was made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to replace the current Sagamore and Bourne bridges with two new bridges built to modern day standards.
Please note, MassDOT will be evaluating this recommendation in our own public process.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MassDOT and the USACE
On July 7, 2020 an MOU was executed between MassDOT and the USACE regarding the Sagamore and Bourne bridges. The below bullets outline the commitments of the MOU in the event that the bridges are replaced.
USACE will:
- Own, operate and maintain the existing bridges until Program completion
- Share information, provide technical support and facilitate transfer of ownership of the bridges to MassDOT
MassDOT will:
- Lead program delivery to complete the feasibility study and alternatives analysis, preliminary design and environmental permitting process, and conduct bridge construction.
- Own, operate, and maintain the completed bridges and approaches