On April 29, 2024, Barnstable County officials convened a virtual meeting to discuss the 2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The meeting highlighted a series of significant transportation projects slated for funding over the next several years, reflecting a commitment to improving infrastructure and safety across the region.

One of the most notable projects discussed was the Phase 2 improvement of the Mashpee Route 151 corridor. Originally funded last year, this extensive project will now receive additional funding over the next four years, with construction expected to begin next year. The project aims to reconstruct the roadway from the current construction site to the Falmouth town line, incorporating a new shared-use path and sidewalks to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.

In 2025, the TIP will also fund the reconstruction of Route 20 in Dennis and Harwich, which includes upgrading a traffic signal in Dennis and adding sidewalks and bicycle accommodations. Another key initiative is the Safe Routes to School project in Harwich, designed to improve safety for students traveling to Harwich Elementary School.

The Bourne Rail Trail project, which has been in the design phase for several years, will receive funding in 2025 to extend the trail from the Cape Cod Canal Railroad to the Grey Gables neighborhood. Additionally, a safety project on Route 6 Scenic Highway will install a median to reduce head-on collisions and construct a shared-use path.

Looking ahead to 2026, the meeting outlined several projects totaling approximately $61 million, including the Provincetown Shank Painter Road project, which will convert part of Route 6 into a shared-use path and improve intersections with roundabouts and complete streets updates. Other projects include resurfacing efforts on Route 6 in Barnstable and improvements to the Mid Cape Highway.

The 2027 funding cycle will see the final phase of Route 28 improvements in West Dennis, incorporating shared-use paths and streetscape elements. Harwich will also benefit from a resurfacing project on the Old Colony Rail Trail, focusing on safety upgrades at roadway crossings.

In 2028, significant projects are planned for Yarmouth and Chatham, including intersection upgrades and resurfacing efforts on Route 28, as well as bridge preservation projects. The meeting also addressed the need for a culvert replacement on Route 6A over Bope Cove Creek, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges.

Finally, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority is projected to receive approximately $216 million over the next five years for various transit projects, including operating assistance and the transition to lower-emission vehicles.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the region's proactive approach to enhancing transportation infrastructure, ensuring safety, and promoting sustainable transit options. As these projects move forward, they are expected to significantly impact the community, improving accessibility and safety for all users.