Residents urge safety measures and weight restrictions on Cape Cod's Route 6A

The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) held a public meeting on June 18, 2025, to discuss the Route 6A Transportation Visioning Study. The meeting aimed to gather community input on transportation issues along Route 6A, a historic scenic highway in Barnstable County, Massachusetts.

The session began with a presentation outlining the current state of Route 6A and potential improvements. Following the presentation, participants were invited to share their concerns and suggestions regarding the road's safety and infrastructure.

One participant, identified as Catherine, expressed significant concerns about the safety of the section of Route 6A that accommodates heavy vehicles, including tractor trailers and car carriers. She highlighted the lack of weight restrictions on this part of the road, which she believes poses a danger to both drivers and the historic homes lining the route. Catherine emphasized that before considering enhancements such as bike paths or pedestrian walkways, the safety of the road should be prioritized, particularly given its designation as a scenic highway.

Another participant, Judy, who resides in Yarmouth Port Village near Route 6A, raised issues regarding damaged crosswalk signs in her area. She noted that one sign had been knocked down and took a considerable amount of time to be replaced. Judy has been actively involved in discussions with local authorities to advocate for improvements in the village center, particularly concerning pedestrian safety.

The MPO officials acknowledged the comments made by both participants and assured them that all feedback would be documented and considered in the planning process. The meeting concluded with a commitment to compile the community's input as part of the ongoing study to enhance Route 6A's safety and accessibility.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's concerns about transportation safety on Route 6A and the importance of addressing these issues in future planning efforts. The MPO plans to continue engaging with residents as the visioning study progresses.