Provincetown project faces delays while Bourne Rail Trails phase 1 progresses ahead of schedule

The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting held on January 23, 2023, focused on the progress and funding of various transportation projects across the region. The meeting began with updates on ongoing projects, highlighting both advancements and delays.

The first item discussed was the Provincetown project, which is currently at 25% design completion. Although it is progressing, it is behind schedule and requires a public hearing for the design phase, which has yet to be scheduled. The town has applied for federal funding under the Federal Land Access Program, but awards have not yet been announced. The National Park Service is expected to contribute to the project, and the town plans to include a pump station as a non-participating cost.

Next, the Bourne Rail Trails Phase 1 project was addressed. This project is being prioritized by the state and is funded through the town of Bourne. It aims to connect the canal to the Great Gables neighborhood with a shared-use path. The design is ahead of schedule, with 75% plans already submitted, and finalization expected by the end of the year.

The Mashpee Route 151 Corridor project was also discussed, focusing on Phase 2, which will improve the roadway from the Old Barnesville Road intersection to the Falmouth town line. This project is designed to include a shared-use path and sidewalk, and it is ahead of schedule for a 2025 advertisement, with 100% design plans to be submitted in the spring.

Additionally, the meeting covered the Chatham intersection project at Route 28, Crowell Road, and Depot Road, which is progressing towards a 25% design submission. The Dennis Route 28 Streetscape project was also mentioned, which is in early design phases and aims to enhance multimodal improvements along Route 28.

The MPO also discussed funding availability for 2028, noting that while new projects could potentially be programmed, existing projects like the Dennis Route 28 project still require additional funding to be fully realized. The meeting concluded with a reminder that project costs may need to be updated due to inflation and further design refinements.

Overall, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the current status of transportation projects in Cape Cod, emphasizing the importance of timely funding and design processes to ensure successful project completion. Further updates are expected in the coming months as the MPO continues to monitor these initiatives.