Cape Cod Bridge Project Advances with Property Takings

Massachusetts seizes 13 homes in Bourne for $2.1 billion Sagamore Bridge replacement

MassDOT Takes Homes for Cape Cod Bridge Project

Massachusetts transportation officials are seizing homes in Bourne to make way for the $2.1 billion Sagamore Bridge replacement project. The state plans to take 13 homes and seven vacant properties through eminent domain, plus a portion of a Market Basket store, officials said. As of April 3, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation had already taken 11 residential properties and paid owners of six homes in the Round Hill neighborhood, spending $4.8 million so far on property acquisitions.

Context

The property seizures are necessary to construct twin replacement spans for the 90-year-old Sagamore Bridge, which along with the Bourne Bridge serves as one of only two road connections to Cape Cod. Both bridges are considered "functionally obsolete" by transportation officials, making replacement critical for the region's transportation infrastructure. The state is using eminent domain law to acquire properties needed for construction staging areas, approach roads, and the new bridge alignment. Officials said the project will modernize access to Cape Cod while maintaining traffic flow during construction.

Details

The state paid more than the assessed value for the six homes it's acquired so far, which have a combined assessed value of over $3.5 million. Three property owners on Cecilia Terrace and one on Johns Lane received more than $2.8 million combined, while another Cecilia Terrace home sold for $1.2 million and an Eleanor Avenue property for $745,000. MassDOT initially refused to disclose payment amounts but later released the information after property owners were paid. No compensation decisions have been made yet for the Market Basket property portion, and costs are expected to increase as the state acquires the remaining seven homes and seven vacant properties.

Timeline

Construction is expected to start in late 2026 or early 2028, officials said. Companies interested in bidding on the project must notify the state by May 27, 2026. The old Sagamore Bridge will be replaced by twin spans designed to handle modern traffic volumes and meet current safety standards. Officials haven't specified how long construction will take or when the new bridges will open to traffic.

Impact

The property acquisitions will displace residents who've lived in the Round Hill neighborhood for years, though they're receiving compensation above assessed values. Drivers heading to Cape Cod can expect construction-related delays once work begins, though officials said they'll maintain access throughout the project. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternative route planning for travelers navigating construction zones on major bridge projects.