Where we are in the process: Cape Cod Bridges Program

Details on progress that has been made to date as well as work to be completed.

Table of Contents

Progress

  • October 2019: MassDOT finalized and published the Cape Cod Canal Transportation Study, recommending that improvements be made to multimodal connectivity and reliability across the Canal.
  • March 2020: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) finalized and published their Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report (MRER) and Environmental Assessment (EA) on the current state of repair and the transportation needs of the region.
  • April 2020: The USACE and Assistant Secretary of the Amy for Civil Works officially announced their recommendation to replace the current Sagamore and Bourne bridges.
  • July 2020: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was executed between MassDOT and the USACE (see Program background).
  • June 2021: Public process commences with two public information meetings.
  • November 2021: Public process continues with two additional public information meetings.
  • May 2022: The USACE, in partnership with MassDOT, submitted a grant application under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Program for Federal INFRA and MEGA funding.
  • August 2022: The USACE, in partnership with MassDOT, submitted a grant application under the Bridge Investment Program.
  • September 2022: The USACE and MassDOT are notified that the Program will not be awarded funding in the current round of INFRA grants.
  • November 2022: Public process continues with two additional public information meetings.
  • November 2022: FHWA and USACE approve of the Purpose and Need Statement
  • December 2022: FHWA formally designated as Lead Federal Agency
  • January 2023: The USACE and MassDOT are notified that the Program will not receive funding in the first round of Large Bridge Project Grants through the Bridge Investment Program but will receive a $1.6 million Bridge Planning grant.
  • January 2023: Public process continues with two additional public information meetings.
  • March 2023: Public process continues with two additional public information meetings.
  • April 2023: The Program Team files the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office.
  • May 2023: The public process continues with an in-person Open House at the Bourne Veteran's Memorial Community Center to announce the filing of the ENF and provide an opportunity for public interaction on information previously presented at the March 2023 Public Meetings. View the displays shown at the Open House.
  • July 7, 2023: The Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs issues a certificate on the ENF directing submission of a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to MEPA.
  • August 11, 2023: FHWA issues a determination that the Program is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, necessitating preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
  • August 21, 2023: MassDOT, in partnership with USACE, submitted a grant application under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Program for Federal INFRA and Mega funding.

Program Phases

  • Phase 1:
    • Data collection - including environmental conditions and traffic patterns.
    • Public outreach and involvement efforts are underway.
  • Phase 2: Based on public input, MassDOT develops and refines bridge and roadway options.
  • Phase 3 (current phase): MassDOT identifies preferred options. Environmental documentation process begins. Design development.
  • Phase 4: MassDOT completes preliminary design and environmental permitting.
  • Phase 5: Construction underway.
  • Delivery: The Cape Cod Bridges Program is completed.

*There are many factors that will influence this process, including but not limited to: identification of construction funding, determination of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Class of Action, public feedback, packaging of construction contracts and construction procurement methodology, and more. This phased progression is included here to outline the potential lifetime of the program.

Contact   for Where we are in the process: Cape Cod Bridges Program

Online

We encourage you to contact us with any questions, comments, or input regarding the Program Submit your online comment 

Address

Submit all written comments Attention: Project Management, Project File No. 608020
Carrie E. Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116

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