SAGAMORE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- It's an idea that has been discussed for more than a year: A third bridge to Cape Cod meant to cut down on holiday traffic headaches like the backup seen on Memorial Day weekend.
Miles of traffic backup is something people have come to expect on the cape during the summer, and many people said Monday they would welcome the idea of a third way out, but there are some drawbacks.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has hired a consultant and is looking at the potential for a new, third bridge built using private funding, with those construction costs later recouped over time through toll collections.
Toll collections would be unlike what's on the Sagamore and Bourne bridges.
"We are still early in the process but look forward to continuing the study to determine if a new canal crossing has merit and is feasible," MassDOT said in a statement.
A third bridge is still a long way off, and it would need local support.
State Senator Vinny deMacedo represents people on both sides of the bridge.
"This is a huge economic engine for us. So we want people to continue to come here but we also want to make sure public safety's addressed," he said.
He is also concerned about toll costs to locals.
"I know that my constituents are very upset at the concept of having a toll to go back and forth to places where they regularly shop and work," he said.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker likes the idea of a public private partnership. He calls them effective tools for upgrading infrastructure.
The Army Corps of Engineers owns the existing bridges, so they would have to be brought on board as well.
All this could be as far as decade away.
Cox Media Group
