New designs showcase safer travel, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, and continued progress on replacing the aging Cape Cod bridge
BOURNE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today unveiled new design renderings of the replacement Sagamore Bridge, giving residents, businesses and visitors a detailed look at the future bridge as Massachusetts continues making historic investments to replace the aging Cape Cod Bridges. The new renderings showcase key design features, including separate bridge spans to improve safety, a barrier-separated shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists, upgraded roadway connections, and architectural features that reflect the character of the region
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“For decades, people have talked about replacing the Cape Cod Bridges. Our administration is getting it done,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new renderings give people a look at the safer, stronger bridge we’re building for residents, businesses and everyone who depends on these crossings every day. We’re making historic investments to improve transportation, strengthen the Cape’s economy and make it easier and safer for people to get where they need to go.”
“These bridges are essential for Cape Cod families, local businesses, first responders and millions of visitors every year,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As this project moves forward, we’re continuing to work closely with local communities so construction is managed responsibly while delivering infrastructure that will serve the region for generations.
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“These new renderings allow residents, businesses, and communities across the region to begin seeing what the future of this vital transportation connection will look like,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Replacing the Cape Cod Bridges is a once-in-a-generation investment in the safety, reliability, and economic future of Cape Cod, the Islands, and the surrounding region. As the project advances, we remain committed to listening to the public, addressing community concerns, and delivering an innovative, high-quality design that will serve generations to come.”
“MassDOT hopes these new renderings help people envision how the new Sagamore Bridge will improve safety, enhance mobility, and meet the region’s transportation needs for generations to come,” said Undersecretary of Transportation and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “As the design continues to advance, MassDOT looks forward to incorporating public feedback to help shape a final design that reflects Cape Cod.”
The Sagamore and Bourne bridges are more than 90 years old and carry more than 38 million trips each year, serving as critical connections for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency responders. Through the Cape Cod Bridges Program, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is replacing these aging bridges with safer, more reliable and more resilient infrastructure while improving connections to local roadways and reducing congestion.
The new renderings highlight several major improvements, including twin bridge spans carrying one direction of traffic each to improve safety, a barrier-separated shared-use path with a scenic overlook for pedestrians and bicyclists, enhanced lighting, and bridge foundations designed to better accommodate marine traffic through the Cape Cod Canal.
During the public hearing, MassDOT also provided an update on construction phasing and traffic management. Throughout construction:
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Two lanes in each direction will remain open until the first new bridge span is complete.
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The project team will use advanced traffic monitoring technology, coordinate closely with local officials and emergency responders, and limit construction impacts during peak travel periods to help keep people moving safely.
MassDOT will coordinate closely with the Town of Bourne and Bourne emergency services to ensure quick clearance of incidents and access to key facilities and the Cape Cod Bridges website will feature regular updates on traffic conditions during the construction phase.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028 following a Notice to Proceed in late 2027. All traffic is expected to be traveling on a new bridge by 2033, with final completion currently anticipated in 2036.
For more additional information on the Cape Cod Bridges project including updates, please visit: Cape Cod Bridges | Mass.gov.
