State Makes Recommendations To Improve Cape Cod Traffic Issues

BOURNE, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) completed its traffic study for the Cape Cod Canal area and made several recommendations to try to fix traffic issues. The study called for adding an additional travel lane on Route 6 eastbound from the canal to exit 2. It also recommended:

• Improving and expanding bike paths and sidewalks
• Upgrades to the Bourne rotary and the interchange at Belmont Circle.
• Relocating exit 1C on Route 6 westbound.

"This study will help guide MassDOT as they make the improvements needed to meet the current and future transportation needs for the Cape Cod region," Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. "We believe the recommendations made in this report will enhance safety and improve accessibility to and from Cape Cod."

The department's recommendations follow a report the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released last week that said the Bourne and Sagamore bridges need to be replaced. Pending plans for new bridges include four travel lanes, two auxiliary lanes designed as acceleration/deceleration lanes and paths for bikes and pedestrians.

"Our administration appreciates the many years of work that went into evaluating the state’s transportation infrastructure surrounding the Cape Cod Canal and the recommendations made in this report," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. "We look forward to having continued conversations with residents, local leaders, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders as we look to make future investments in this area."

Information about the department's study can be found on the state's website.