Leaders on Cape Cod are raising concerns about the lack of funding to replace the Bourne Bridge, a critical piece of infrastructure that connects the region and supports its economy. For Blue Rock Golf Course in Yarmouth, the warming weather marks the start of the busy season. The Par 3 course, which has been in operation since the 1960s, relies heavily on tourists who cross the Cape Cod Canal via the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge.
“Everything you’re looking at, touching, buying, came over those bridges,” said Matt Pitta with Blue Rock Golf Course. However, there is growing worry that this essential link could soon be disrupted.
“The bottom line is we would lose a third of our economy,” said Paul Niedzwiecki with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. “It’s our lifeline on the Cape and Islands,” added State Sen. Dylan Fernandes.
Both bridges have been labeled obsolete by the Army Corps of Engineers. While funds have been secured for the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge, the $2 billion needed for the Bourne Bridge remains unsecured.
“The Army Corps of Engineers’ 2020 report identified the Bourne Bridge as needing rehabilitation by 2029,” said Niedzwiecki. “That means a complete closure of the Bourne Bridge.”
“If we can’t get money for the Bourne, and the Army Corps of Engineers has to do a major overhaul or major rehabilitation, and it’s closed for six months or more, you’re looking at what we like to really, unfortunately, call an economic Armageddon,” said Pitta.
Rep. Bill Keating, D-Massachusetts, who lives in Bourne, believes that rehabilitation is not a viable option for the community.
“Rehabilitation will waste tens of millions of dollars, and the bridge will still need to be replaced in the near future,” said Keating. “I, Sen. [Ed] Markey and [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren, and the entire delegation, continue to fight for what the state deserves – a full, modern replacement of the Bourne Bridge.”
Securing funding for the replacement involves seeking federal support.
“We’re hopeful that the Bridge Improvement Plan, BIP, which was part of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, will be part of that reauthorization,” said Niedzwiecki. “So that means there would be federal funds available for us to apply for.”
Even if that opportunity does not materialize, locals remain determined to ensure both bridges are eventually replaced.
“We’ll find a way on the Bourne,” said Pitta. “We have to, and we will.”
The Sagamore Bridge is scheduled to begin construction in the winter of 2027.
Infrastructure
Mar 21, 2025
Federal officials call for safety evaluations of New England bridges
Cape Cod
Mar 27
Sagamore Bridge replacement project enters next phase
Cape Cod
Jan 13
Homes to be seized for Sagamore Bridge replacement: ‘We’re a checkbox’