Sagamore Bridge

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver gives us a peek at the next stages of preparation for construction of the new Sagamore Bridge.

The state has received two federal grants, but a third grant of more than $1 billion is still pending to fund the Sagamore Bridge replacement.

Quentin Palfrey, the state’s director of federal funds and infrastructure, told CAI that based on past practice, the so-called “Mega” and “INFRA” grants could be awarded in the next few months.

A senior advisor to President Joe Biden visited Cape Cod Friday to hear from local leaders about what they say is a critical need to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki says the Cape can't wait another generation for new bridges. And if federal funds aren’t approved soon, maybe the bridges should be made lower, and the crossings narrower, to save money.

The new estimate comes from a planning workshop in May, hosted by the Federal Highway Administration, which determined that the project could take longer than planned.

Governor Maura Healey says she’ll focus on finding funding to replace the Sagamore Bridge ahead of the Bourne Bridge. COVID cases are ticking up locally. And downtown New Bedford could soon lose a beloved arts center.

After two previous funding applications were rejected, Governor Maura Healey wants to make sure the state gets federal grant money this time for the project.

Warren made her comments after speaking with staff and program participants at Cape Abilities, a nonprofit organization that helps provide vocational training programs, housing, and transportation for people with disabilities.

The state expects to take private properties for the new Bourne and Sagamore bridges — but exactly which properties may not be finalized until 2025.