Plans For A Third Canal Bridge In The Works

A third bridge could bring relief to traffic nightmares on the Cape.

Cape Cod's year-round population is about 215,000, but that number triples during the summer months with tourists flocking to their favorite vacation spot, making traffic a nightmare.

According to Cape Cod Online, one scenario officials are considering brings a toll bridge 100 feet west of the existing Sagamore Bridge, with three lanes of traffic onto the Cape. This would free up the Sagamore for three lanes of traffic out of the Cape. In addition, other roads in the area would see congestion alleviation with a new connector road between Route 3 and Route 25.

Another option would bring a toll bridge running in both directions midway between the Sagamore and Bourne bridges. The two existing Cape bridges would remain free, but the plan would use land owned by the Department of Defense, meaning negotiations would be needed.

The project is estimated to cost between $320 million and $650 million, but the proposals are still in the early stages. After the proposal is issued, multiple state official offices must give their input, and can vote to kill the project if they don't think it will be in the state's best interest.

Although Massachusetts residents don't need any more road works making traffic worse right now, the new bridge has potential to make things better on the Cape.