Bourne Bridge Reduced to Single Lane in Each Direction

Beginning Monday, April 27, the Bourne Bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction.

According to a press release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) New England District shared with the Martha's Vineyard Times, crews performing “critical maintenance work” necessitated the lane reductions. The lane restrictions are expected to be in place until “no later than May 20, 2026.”

During this restricted period, drivers should plan for delays and follow traffic-control guidelines. The Bourne Bridge sidewalk has been closed to pedestrians for approximately seven days, starting on April 27. This sidewalk is anticipated to reopen around May 4.

Drivers should anticipate the most noticeable slow traffic periods during the morning and afternoon peak travel times, when traffic headed to and from the Cape builds. 

“Motorists planning to use the Bourne Bridge should expect travel delays likely to occur during the morning and afternoon peak travel periods each day,” the release stated.

Oversized and wide-load vehicles will not be permitted on the bridge during the maintenance work, according to the release.

Travelers can try using the Sagamore Bridge, approximately a 10-minute drive away, as an alternate route. The Sagamore Bridge is not scheduled for work during this period.

According to the Cape Cod Times, the repair work includes resurfacing the bridge deck, replacing steel joints impacted by winter weather, and maintaining lighting and drainage systems along the span.

According to the USACE, bridge maintenance is essential to preserve the Bourne Bridge's role as a critical link for Cape Cod, the Islands, and southeastern Massachusetts.

A Cape Cod Times report noted that this seasonal maintenance work will support the bridge's integrity until it can be replaced. The replacement is being funded through the $4.5 billion Cape Cod Bridges Program, which aims to remove both of the 1935 steel truss spans — the Sagamore Bridge first, starting in winter 2027-28, followed by the Bourne Bridge. Both new bridges are slated to open in 2036 or 2037.