MassDOT Addresses Eminent Domain Concerns for Bourne, Sagamore Bridge Replacements

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) held an informational meeting on Cape Cod on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to inform residents about details of the construction of the new Bourne and Sagamore bridges, following significant concerns about the projects.

During the meeting, MassDOT detailed the project designs — including wider lanes and a shared-use path — while addressing concerns from Cape Cod residents. The state is in the process of seizing more than a dozen homes near the Sagamore Bridge to create space for construction.

During the meeting, MassDOT stated it considered multiple options before asking residents to relocate. By law, the state can seize private property for public use, but it must compensate those whose homes are taken through eminent domain.

“While we did try to avoid private property takings, they were unavoidable,” said Luisa Paiewonsky, executive director of MassDOT's Megaprojects Delivery Office, in a statement shared by 7 NEWS Boston. “We do have a real obligation to them to compensate them in full for the value of their homes and to provide financial and logistical support for relocation.”

MassDOT stated it would pay off the mortgages for the homes being seized and would provide support for affected residents.

“I don't know who's worse off, the people that are getting bought out and moved or the few of us that are left,” said James Poore, who said half of his neighborhood will be gone due to the project. “There's only eight homes left, and I happen to be one of them, and I'm like front and center to the whole project.”

MassDOT said it expects to begin construction on both bridges by 2028.