Press Release  Cape Cod Bridges Projects Hits Major Milestone as MassDOT Files State Environmental Report

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has filed the draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the replacement of the Cape Cod Bridges with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office. The filing of this comprehensive document represents a significant milestone in the advancement of the Cape Cod Bridges Project. The document includes the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s proposed decision to extend the construction of Sandwich Road safety improvements, including a shared use path to the Gallo Ice Arena, in response to requests from Bourne residents and local officials. 

The future path will now extend the length of the path further along Sandwich Road, providing a safe travel option for bicyclists and pedestrians from the Upper Cape Cod Technical High School to the Gallo Ice Arena.  

“Today, we took one big step forward toward rebuilding the Cape Cod bridges,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration has been focused on delivering this project from day one, working hard to secure billions in funding, preparing the necessary design and environmental documents, and engaging with the community every step of the way. I’m proud of our MassDOT team for their continued progress on this critical project and grateful for our local, state and federal partners for making this possible.” 

“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,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This environmental report is an important step forward in this project, and it also incorporates feedback we have heard directly from the community.” 

“This filing marks another important step in our work to deliver two gleaming new bridges to Cape Cod. This project is critical to providing safer and more sustainable transportation for families and businesses across Massachusetts,” said Senator Edward Markey.  “I am proud to work with Governor Healey, MassDOT, and our congressional, state, and local partners to secure funding for the replacement of the bridges and continue to move this project forward.” 

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward for the Commonwealth in the replacement of our Cape Cod Bridges,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I fought hard alongside local, state, and federal leaders to make this project a reality and, thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are making strong progress to strengthen this key piece of Massachusetts’ infrastructure.” 

“We – federal, state, and local leaders – continue to work toward replacement of the Cape Cod Canal Bridges and the filing of this critical environmental report is the next step in our efforts,” said Congressman Bill Keating.  “We can see a new Sagamore Bridge on the horizon and continue on the path to make that a reality for Massachusetts residents as expeditiously as possible thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll administration.” 

The DEIR will be available for public review through the September 10th edition of the Environmental Monitor. MassDOT requested an extension of the public comment period from 30 to 44 days to ensure the public has sufficient time to review and comment on the document. The MEPA Office will accept public comments through October 24, 2025, and expects a certificate on the draft on October 31, 2025. 

MassDOT will host a Cape Cod Bridges Project public open house at the Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. At the open house, MassDOT will provide information and key takeaways from the document and discuss the DEIR public comment process. 

“The filing of state environmental documents marks a major step forward as our team continues to work to replace these vital structures while protecting Cape Cod’s natural, cultural, and historic resources,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. We are committed to advancing replacement of the Sagamore Bridge and the Bourne Bridge and ensuring the Healey-Driscoll's vision for a safe, multi-modal, modern, and resilient transportation future for the region.” 

“Years of careful planning and strong collaboration with our project partners have led to this important achievement,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “I am proud of the work our team has done to get us here and file this substantial environmental document. We are eager to continue receiving public feedback and input and moving closer to getting shovels in the ground.” 

“The Cape Bridges are the gateway to our region,” said Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Plymouth/Barnstable). “The filing is the next step to provide the Cape & Islands residents with new bridges that will deliver access to the region for generations to come, and we are grateful for the work by MassDOT to keep the project on track." 

“The Cape Cod Bridges are lifelines for our residents, visitors, and workforce — and essential to public safety,” said Paul Niedzwiecki, President & CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. “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.” 

“Replacing the aging Sagamore and Bourne Bridges is vital to keeping Cape Cod and the Islands safe, connected, and strong,” said Dan Wolf, Chair, Cape and Islands Bridge Coalition. “Today’s environmental review milestone reflects years of advocacy, and the Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition — nearly 50 organizations strong — is committed to seeing the project through.” 

In response to requests from Bourne residents and local officials, MassDOT will implement safety improvements along Sandwich Road in the vicinity of the Bourne Rotary. As part of the future construction of the Bourne Bridge, a 12-foot wide shared-use path will extend further along Sandwich Road, from the Upper Cape Cod Technical High School to the Gallo Ice Arena. The driveway to the Gallo Ice Arena will also be reconfigured, along with left-turn lanes to provide safe access to the arena. Median islands will also be implemented to manage vehicle speeds. 

Following the submission of the DEIR, MassDOT will separately file the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) under the federal National Environmental Policy Act in the coming weeks. 

More information on the Cape Cod Bridges project is available here.   

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