Cape & Islands News

Chamber, local officials address Sagamore Bridge congestion headache

According to representatives, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has experienced a marked increase in people conveying their displeasure with the work currently being performed on the Sagamore Bridge.  The Army Corps of Engineers commenced bridge work this past Monday and it has been the cause of headaches and concerns for many drivers heading on and off Cape.  According to the Army Corps, the work that began on Monday is to continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week as long as weather permits.  The work will then start up again in the Spring of 2010 and is scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of the Summer season.

Stuck in traffic crossing the Sagamore Bridge? Send us your pictures and we'll post them here.

Both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, not the Massachusetts Highway Department.

In light of the abundance of inquiries, the Chamber contacted the offices of Congressman Delahunt and Senate President Therese Murray earlier this week and a meeting was convened to review the project and its affect on both commuters and visitors. In attendance were representatives from the Army Corps, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees of the meeting made suggestions to help alleviate the congestion issues including:

1. Increased signage prior to exit 2, that would remind drivers of the construction and give them alternate route options to the Bourne Bridge. This will require input from the Town of Sandwich and Mass Highway.
2. The possibility of closing the on-ramp at the foot of the Sagamore Bridge adjacent to Christmas Tree Shops, and erecting signage to direct vehicles to the Bourne Bridge. This also will require input from Sandwich and Mass Highway.

The Army Corps along with the military and key state offices including MEMA and the MA State Police are also considering the Chamber's request to open the evacuation route through the Massachusetts Military Reservation to help alleviate congestion.

Significant work is being done on the Sagamore Bridge including replacement of the asphalt roadway, something that hasn't been done in 29 years. Originally, the project was to take three years, as funding allowed. But Stimulus funding will allow for the bridge work to be completed in two phases (Fall 2009 and Spring 2010).

The Cape Cod Chamber hopes these meetings will lead to a permanent rerouting plan for future bridge work. 

While work continues, traffic will be down to two lanes, one lane in each direction.  The work is currently being performed in two shifts: 7am-5pm and 5pm-3am. No work is being done in the early morning from 3am-7am.

Drivers are asked to use extra caution when approaching and crossing the Sagamore Bridge. Bridge notices are available on the Army Corps site here.  Travel information is also available by dialing 511 from your cellphone.  CapeCodToday.com will also update traffic information when available.