Posted on October 7, 2024
Concord, Mass. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the replacement of the Sagamore bridge, a key transportation link over the Cape Cod Canal. This agreement represents a step forward in modernizing infrastructure and ensuring the long-term safety and efficiency of these vital routes.
“This agreement is another critical step to benefit the people of Massachusetts and visitors who depend on safe, resilient, and modernized access to Cape Cod and the islands. It is a tremendous achievement to have reached this point in the plan to replace the Cape Cod bridges,” said Michael L. Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “The effective partnerships between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, MassDOT and the Federal Highway Administration has developed a solution that will serve this region for decades to come.”
The MOA will advance a key component of the overall project: replacement of the northbound Sagamore Bridge. The new bridge will include wider lanes, improved pedestrian and cycling paths, and enhanced structural durability to accommodate current and future traffic demands.
“The replacement of the Sagamore Bridge is a major investment in the future of Cape Cod and New England. The project will offer us a safer bridge, with more lanes and greater accessibility for the thousands of residents and visitors who rely on this route connection every day,” said Army Col. Justin Pabis, the commanding officer of USACE, New England District. “This collaboration between USACE, MassDOT and the FHWA marks our shared commitment to giving the Cape a modern and resilient bridge, capable of meeting the needs of tomorrow.”
USACE has allocated $350 million to the project, providing critical funding for the construction of the northbound Sagamore bridge and will coordinate with MassDOT and FHWA, leveraging their expertise to ensure efficient design, engineering, and construction processes.
“This agreement is a critical milestone showing the strong collaboration across Massachusetts, the Army Corps, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to keep Cape Cod connected
to the state and region for generations to come,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White. “FHWA is proud to partner alongside U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the
Massachusetts DOT as we work hand-in-hand to deliver this vital transportation infrastructure.” With the MOA signed, the agencies will move forward with the final design and planning phases. USACE, MassDOT, and FHWA will provide regular updates to the public on project progress, including scheduling and construction impacts.
“We continue to make important progress in our efforts to rebuild both Cape Cod Bridges. After securing $1.72 billion in federal funding, we’re now moving forward with an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration that will allocate a crucial piece of that funding and allow us to begin construction on the Sagamore Bridge,” said
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to our MassDOT team, as well as our Congressional delegation and federal partners for their continued partnership and commitment to delivering this project for the people of Massachusetts.”
The Sagamore Bridge, built in the 1930s, is essential for northbound traffic in Cape Cod, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and tourism for the region. This replacement will
enhance transportation capacity and safety while reducing congestion, particularly during peak travel seasons.
“This project has always been about partnership, and we thank the Healey Administration, the Congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unwavering support and funding. We look forward to working with partners and stakeholders in the region to begin the next steps to making this project a reality,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
