Current:Home > InvestMassachusetts trying to jump-start effort to replace Cape Cod bridges-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Massachusetts trying to jump-start effort to replace Cape Cod bridges
View Date:2024-12-23 18:38:02
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is hoping to jump-start the replacement of the two bridges connecting Cape Cod to the rest of the state by focusing first on federal dollars to replace the Sagamore Bridge before turning to the Bourne Bridge.
The renewed effort comes as earlier attempts to win federal funds to replace the bridges have failed, including an application for $1.88 billion by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the bridges.
Healey, who took office in January, said the administration is committed to replacing both bridges, but it is taking a new approach by focusing initially on the Sagamore Bridge.
“We are proud to be finalizing our application this month to compete for $1.45 billion in federal funds,” the Democrat said in a written statement. “This first phase will enable us to get shovels in the ground quickly on the Sagamore Bridge, lay the groundwork for rebuilding the Bourne Bridge, and move forward on the permitting and design of both bridges.”
The bridge work will create good-paying construction jobs and spur economic growth, Healey said. She pointed to three main reasons to start with the Sagamore Bridge — traffic, safety and economic impact.
Of the two bridges, the Sagamore experiences a higher volume of traffic and accounts for about 56% of crashes that occur on the bridges. A new Sagamore Bridge will have wider lanes, future rapid bus transit, and bicycle and pedestrian access across the Cape Cod Canal.
The new Bourne Bridge will also include a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the owner of the bridges. The Corps will maintain control of the existing bridges until the new bridges are completed, at which point control of the new structures will be transferred to the state.
The Corps has warned that if the bridges weren’t replaced within the next several years, one of the spans would have to be completely closed for 18 months for maintenance.
The bridges are often choked with traffic, especially during the summer tourist season.
Construction on both existing bridges began in 1933. Their narrower lanes no longer meet current highway standards.
There are no plans for tolls on the new bridges, officials have said.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Oppenheimer's Cillian Murphy Underwent a Drastic Transformation—& So Did These Movie Stars
- Jersey Shore’s Snooki Gets Candid on Her Weight Struggles in Message to Body Shamers
- Why Barbie Makeup Artist Ivana Primorac Didn't Want Margot Robbie to Look Plastic
- Ashton Jeanty stats: How many rushing yards did Boise State Heisman hopeful have vs Nevada
- Make Your Dream Aesthetic Kitchen a Reality with These Organizers from Amazon
- Music Legend Tony Bennett Dead at 96
- MrBeast YouTuber Kris Tyson Comes Out as Transgender
- Former Disney Star Skai Jackson Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With Her Boyfriend
- Get a $20 Deal on $98 Worth of Skincare From Peter Thomas Roth, Sunday Riley, Benefit, Elemis, and More
Ranking
- 3 Iraqis tortured at Abu Ghraib win $42M judgement against defense contractor
- Get $173 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth Top-Selling Skincare Products for Just $53
- Sister Wives' Christine Brown Shares Engagement Photos With Her True Love David Woolley
- Fall Fashion Finds You Can Get on Sale Right Now: Sweaters, Scarves, Boots, Denim & More
- Francesca Farago Details Health Complications That Led to Emergency C-Section of Twins
- Timothée Chalamet and Adam Sandler Prove They’re BFFs While Playing Basketball in NYC
- Tony Bennett and Susan Crow's Love Story Will Fly You to the Moon
- Bodybuilder Justyn Vicky Dead at 33 After 450-Pound Barbell Falls on His Neck
Recommendation
-
Melissa Gilbert recalls 'painful' final moment with 'Little House' co-star Michael Landon
-
Kate Gosselin Says Son Collin Has “Multiple Psychiatric Diagnoses” in Response to Estrangement Allegation
-
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Matilda Date Night Is Sweet as Honey
-
Justin Timberlake Mourns Death of Music Director Daniel Jones at Age 41
-
How Ben Affleck Really Feels About His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Gigli Today
-
Hannah Gosselin Shares New Photos From Texas Amid Jon & Kate Family Feud
-
Selena Gomez Celebrates 31st Birthday With Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera and Other Friends
-
Separate boat crashes in Cape Cod and the Ozarks leave 1 dead, 13 injured: Police