Barnstable, MA: The Cape & Islands Bridges Coalition (CIBC) on Friday celebrated a major federal funding announcement that moves Massachusetts one significant step closer to replacement of the nearly 90-year-old Sagamore and Bourne Bridges that span the Cape Cod Canal.
The Biden Administration is awarding the state $993 million toward the $2.1 billion price tag for replacement of the Sagamore Bridge. This is just shy of the full amount of $1.06 requested by the state through the federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP). The BIP award brings the total amount of federal funding secured for the project to nearly $1.72 billion, in addition to the $700 million in state funding pledged by Governor Maura Healey’s administration.
“The CIBC and the Cape Cod Chamber commend Senators Markey and Warren, Congressman Keating, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership, persistence, and partnership in securing these critical funds for replacement of the Cape Cod Bridges,” said Paul Niedzwiecki, Co-Chair of the CIBC and CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber. “This funding makes replacement of the Sagamore a reality and demonstrates the commitment of our federal and state partners in ensuring that Cape and Islands communities remain economically viable for years to come.”
The CIBC was formed under the leadership of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce in response to business and community concerns related to the aging Cape Cod bridges. Replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges was identified as a top priority for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce nearly a decade ago, under the leadership of the organization’s previous CEO, Wendy Northcross.
“Cape Cod owes a debt of gratitude to Wendy for being one of the first community leaders to recognize the importance of replacing both Canal bridges. Her guidance was invaluable in helping the region get to the point where we are today,” said Niedzwiecki.
Together, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges function as a critical transportation system, providing the only vehicle access points for 230,000 year-round residents, more than 8,500 businesses, and over 5 million annual visitors.
Both bridges are approaching the end of their serviceable lifespan and are considered functionally obsolete and structurally deficient. If not replaced, the bridges will soon require major rehabilitation work, leading to months-long lane restrictions and bridge closures. A complete closure of either bridge would result in an unprecedented disruption to the regional economy.
