MassDOT Workshop on Sagamore Bridge Replacement: Keith Field and Sandwich Road Changes – May 4, 2026

This workshop was held on May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (although the transcript references May 7th, the instructed date is used) and featured a presentation by MassDOT on proposed changes to parking, pedestrian crossings, and a shared-use path near Keith Field and Sandwich Road as part of the Sagamore Bridge replacement project. The town’s Select Board, Recreation Committee, Police Department, and members of the public discussed concerns about safety, loss of informal recreational space, and the impact on a nearby apartment complex. No binding decisions were reached; MassDOT agreed to return within a week with further options.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Peter McCutch (Bourne Rec Committee / President of Bourne Youth Baseball): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed crosswalk, stating it is unsafe for unsupervised children. He argued that MassDOT should not accept a crosswalk when a pedestrian overpass or tunnel is needed, noting that similar flashing lights at Upper Cape Tech did not prevent an officer from being hit. He urged the Select Board to reject the flashing beacon crossing.
• John York (Resident): Emphasized the need for a “livable community” approach. He opposed taking green space from the apartment complex for parking and suggested using the canal-side bike path for parking access, noting that the Gallo property grade could be fixed with earth-moving already planned for the project.
• Chris Farrell (Planning Board member, former police officer): Raised concerns about the proposed parking lot location conflicting with the apartment complex’s septic reserve area. He warned that wider roads with curbing would increase speeds and that the crosswalk near a gas station would create conflicts. He also noted the steep grade under the bridge is impractical.
• Chief ESip (Police Department): Stated that a flashing yellow beacon is insufficient; a pedestrian-activated red signal or a tunnel/overpass is needed. He also pointed out that the proposed 35-space lot would not be adequate for both ball field users and new canal path visitors, and that the lot would take away recreational space used by children in the apartment complex.
• Detective Wallers (Bourne Police / Resident): Noted that people will park on private property nearby regardless, and that the crosswalk location under the bridge has poor visibility and high speeds, making it dangerous.
• Katie Matthews (Recreation Director): Asked if MassDOT would still build the shared-use path to the canal if the parking lot is not acceptable. She also inquired about the timeline for curb installation, which would eliminate informal parking.
• Christopher Farrell (speaking as individual): Repeated concerns about the parking lot’s location on the apartment’s septic field and urged the town to protect the South Sagamore village, noting that many residents will not live to see the project completed.
• Unnamed speaker (Conservation Commission member): Warning that if the canal service road is shut for 10 years, pedestrians and fishermen will be forced onto Scenic Highway, causing erosion and safety hazards; they may motion to deny permits if safe passage is not provided.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by MassDOT: Luisa Pyawanski (Executive Director of Mega Projects) and David Anderson (HNTB) reviewed project status, noting the environmental review is nearly complete and procurement is underway. They presented proposals for a 35-space parking lot on the south side of Sandwich Road (opposite Keith Field) on the apartment complex property, with a crosswalk using rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB). They also evaluated alternatives: a parking lot under the bridge (17% grade, impractical), acquiring active businesses/homes (not feasible), and installing traffic signals at Adams Street (did not meet warrants). A shared-use path connecting Sandwich Road to the Canal Service Road with a railroad crossing was also discussed.
• Traffic Signal Warrants: MassDOT stated that neither a full traffic signal nor a pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) is warranted at Sandwich Road/Adams Street or at the proposed crosswalk location due to low traffic volumes. RRFBs were proposed as they are permitted under the MUTCD for such conditions.
• Bike Path and Canal Access: The shared-use path will serve as a detour during construction and provide long-term access. Several speakers agreed that parking is needed for this path, but the proposed location on the south side was controversial.
• Concerns about Apartment Complex: Multiple speakers noted that the grassy area proposed for parking is used by children living in the apartments for soccer and play. The septic system reserve area may be impacted, and taking this space is seen as detrimental to the community.
• Timeline Pressure: MassDOT requested a decision within 30 days to meet environmental and procurement deadlines. The town asked for more time to discuss with the Recreation Committee.
• Alternative Considered: Marlene (likely town administrator) suggested that the town could request MassDOT to transfer jurisdiction of this segment of Sandwich Road (State Route 6A) to the town, allowing on-street parking. MassDOT took this as a topic for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• No final decision was made. The Select Board and Recreation Committee expressed significant reservations about the proposed parking lot location and the adequacy of the pedestrian crossing.
• MassDOT offered two options: (1) Drop the parking replacement proposal and continue working with the town on longer-term community-friendly design, or (2) return within a week with further analysis of safer crossing alternatives, while keeping the parking proposal alive. The board leaned toward exploring the latter.
• Next Steps: The Recreation Committee will meet within the next week to discuss Keith Field usage and potential relocation of recreational facilities (e.g., tennis courts). MassDOT will come back to the Select Board within a week with additional options, including possibly adjusting project limits (e.g., not curbing Sandwich Road) to preserve informal parking. The town and MassDOT will also discuss jurisdiction transfer as a long-term possibility.