With news recently dropping that Massachusetts officials have secured an additional $1 billion in funding to replace the Sagamore and Bourne bridges, there’s never been a better time to explore their history and legacy. Crossing the Cape Cod Canal, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are remarkable feats of engineering and historical significance. They’re also iconic structures for visitors and locals alike.
These twin bridges, completed in 1935, are more than just transportation routes; they are vital lifelines connecting Cape Cod to the rest of Massachusetts.
The Sagamore and Bourne Bridges have facilitated the flow of traffic and commerce and played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the region. Their construction marked a new era of connectivity and growth for Cape Cod, transforming it from a remote peninsula into a bustling destination.
With nearly $2.5 billion in funding now secured for their replacements, it’s only a matter of time until we welcome new ways to cross the Cape Cod Canal. Here’s a look at the rich history of these structures, exploring their origins, construction, and enduring impact on the region.
The History of the Cape Cod Canal
Of course, the bridges became necessary in the first place because of the Cape Cod Canal. The idea of constructing a canal to connect Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay dates back to Colonial times, as early settlers spoke of ways to shorten the journey around the tip of Cape Cod.
However, early proposals faced numerous challenges, including financial and technological limitations. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that serious planning began, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers playing a crucial role in the Canal’s design and construction.
The Cape Cod Canal partially opened in 1914, although it was only 15 feet deep at the time. It would then officially open on April 10, 1916, with the potential to transform maritime navigation in the region.
While the Canal’s impact on local transportation and the economy is significant, it didn’t get off to the best start. Strong currents and the Canal’s small size made it challenging to navigate, reducing its usefulness in the early years.
However, the Cape Cod Canal has undergone significant updates and expansions to enhance its functionality over the years. Modernization efforts have included widening and deepening the Canal and upgrading its infrastructure to support increased maritime traffic.
Planning and Constructing the Bridges
The Cape Cod Canal’s construction is responsible for another legacy, too, as it created a significant need for reliable crossings. As a result, the original Bourne Bridge was opened in 1911, and the first Sagamore Bridge was put into operation in 1913.
However, the problems with those first bridges were abundant. They were drawbridges with only 41 feet of clearance under them when closed. Although they provided 140 feet of clearance when open, it took time for them to open all the way up, forcing ships to wait in the Canal and fight its strong currents.
There were also plans to widen the Canal from its original 100-foot width to 480 feet. New bridges would be needed to accommodate this growth and provide enough clearance for large ships to pass through without waiting.
Planning for the new bridges began in the early 1930s, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took charge of the project. Construction started in 1933, with critical milestones including the erection of the bridges’ steel framework and the completion of their concrete supports.
Official Opening and Early Years
The new Bourne and Sagamore bridges officially opened on June 22, 1935. Their opening significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure, providing much-needed routes for vehicles crossing the Canal. Their immediate impact was significant in easing traffic congestion and improving the overall efficiency of transportation to and from Cape Cod.
In fact, in the summer of 1936, over 50,000 cars crossed one of the bridges on a single Sunday, so they were immediately getting significant use.
The bridges underwent routine maintenance and structural improvements in the early years to address initial wear and tear and ensure long-term reliability. However, the first major rehabilitation didn’t occur until the early 1980s. At that time, original cables, plates, and decking were replaced, and each bridge was closed for lengthy periods to complete the work.
These closures led to significant traffic congestion on the Cape and could be when officials first realized new bridges would be necessary at some point in the not-too-distant future.
Modern Developments and Maintenance
The Bourne and Sagamore bridges have seen other updates and refurbishments to keep them in optimal condition. These efforts have included widening lanes and implementing modern traffic management technologies.
Today, the bridges remain a cornerstone of regional connectivity, handling all the traffic between Cape Cod and the mainland. The bridges are nearly 90 years old, though, and can no longer keep up with the Cape’s traffic demands, which is why new bridges for the region will be so helpful.
New Bridges in the Future
Cape Cod’s bridges are nearly 90 years old and desperately need replacement as the region continues to grow as a vacation destination. The result will be even more economic benefits for the Cape, as getting in and out will be much faster in the future.
Officials believe the new Sagamore Bridge will open in 2034, and the new Bourne Bridge will follow about a year and a half later. Therefore, you still have time to book a vacation to the Cape and see these iconic and historic structures in person.
