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Cape Cod MPO updated on Canal Bridges study; Sagamore prioritized in funding strategy, NEPA elevated to EIS
Summary
The Cape Cod Canal Bridges replacement study presented a draft tied‑arch preferred type and said MassDOT prioritized the Sagamore Bridge for federal grant competitiveness; the study team is preparing for an Environmental Impact Statement and pursuing multi-source federal and state funding.
The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization received an update on the Cape Cod Canal Bridges study on Sept. 18, where staff summarized alignment alternatives, environmental review status, funding strategy and next steps for public engagement.
Stephen Tupper of Cape Cod Commission staff said the study team reviewed 10 alternatives and currently favors in‑board alignments adjacent to the existing Bourne and Sagamore bridges. "The least impactful and best place for these new bridges would be directly adjacent to the current structures," he said, describing concept visuals of a tied‑arch bridge type being used in the alternatives analysis.
On environmental review, Tupper said the project has moved through the state process and that federal permitting discussions with the Federal Highway Administration have shifted the federal review from an environmental assessment to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). He said the change will prompt a more extensive review of alternatives and impacts.
On funding, Tupper said MassDOT filed for multimodal discretionary grant funding in August and is pursuing multiple federal and state opportunities; he added the governor has prioritized the Sagamore Bridge to increase competitiveness for federal grants. Tupper provided an order‑of‑magnitude estimate for Sagamore-phase funding needs ("a little over $2,000,000,000" for a phase) and said the full program would not be addressed in a single funding round.
Public commenters raised concerns about the speed of MassDOT responses to public comments, a need to separate span replacement costs from roadway connection costs for clarity on drivers of overall cost, and maintenance of existing bridge sidewalks. Tupper and staff acknowledged those concerns and said further public meetings and advisory‑group briefings are planned as the secondary screening of alternatives proceeds.
What’s next: The study will continue environmental permitting and public outreach; the project website mass.gov/cape-bridges will list public meetings and advisory‑group updates.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 708; topfinish SEG 903
