Cape Cod Rail, Bridges and Highways

[FormFollowsBudget]

Monday morning quarterback, and I'm sure there's a reason we can't do this, because of some benign rule, but if this phasing sequence for Sagamore was truly the only option, they should have rebuilt Bourne first, which looks like it could be built without substantial real estate taking and building 2-spans simultaneous, then moved over to Sagamore, completely closing it using the increased capacity of the new Bourne for 2 summers, max.

A 2-bridge 800-ft replacement project shouldn't take generations.

 

[OldColony]

Monday morning quarterback, and I'm sure there's a reason we can't do this, because of some benign rule, but if this phasing sequence for Sagamore was truly the only option, they should have rebuilt Bourne first, which looks like it could be built without substantial real estate taking and building 2-spans simultaneous, then moved over to Sagamore, completely closing it using the increased capacity of the new Bourne for 2 summers, max.

A 2-bridge 800-ft replacement project shouldn't take generations.

The Sagamore Bridge sees considerably higher traffic counts than the Bourne -- hence the focus of getting Sagamore done first.

Source: https://www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/traffic-counts/

 

[cburns]

The main span is being built offsite, yes? I presume given the impact to canal traffic, it will be hoisted in a matter of days. This fact makes it all the more perplexing that this will take so long.

 

[themissinglink]

Massachusetts has spent $4.8 million on eminent domain for Sagamore Bridge. That number will grow. - The Boston Globe

The state plans to use the eminent domain law to take 13 homes, seven vacant properties, and some land at Market Basket in Bourne.

www.bostonglobe.com

Earlier this year, MassDOT had refused to disclose payment amounts for the first five homes taken by eminent domain and indicated they may not have to release the costs for years.
MassDOT argued the payments were exempt from disclosure under the state’s public records law. The agency also said publicizing the payouts could hinder negotiations with other property owners and complicate efforts to respect residents’ privacy.
The Globe appealed MassDOT’s decision to the state Supervisor of Records, which said it was “uncertain” whether the agency’s reason for withholding the information complied with public records law. On Thursday, the agency disclosed payments of more than $2.8 million to three property owners on Cecilia Terrace and one on Johns Lane. In an email, a MassDOT lawyer said the agency was disclosing costs because property owners had been paid. Separately, MassDOT paid $1.2 million in January to a fourth homeowner on Cecilia Terrace and $745,000 in February to a property owner on Eleanor Avenue, according to Registry of Deeds and state comptroller records.
A MassDOT spokesperson confirmed those payments to the Globe on Friday. The state paid more than the assessed value for the six homes, which have a combined assessed value of more than $3.5 million, according to Bourne’s online property database.
The Globe did not locate payment records for the five other properties taken by eminent domain. There are three on Johns Lane and one each on Canal Street and Eleanor Avenue.
The eminent domain law is rooted in the Massachusetts Constitution and requires the state to offer owners “reasonable compensation” for their property. In addition to the buyouts, payments could also include relocation and closing costs, and mortgage expenses. In all, officials said they intend to take 13 homes, plus seven vacant properties.

 

[millerm277]

Massachusetts has spent $4.8 million on eminent domain for Sagamore Bridge. That number will grow. - The Boston Globe

The state plans to use the eminent domain law to take 13 homes, seven vacant properties, and some land at Market Basket in Bourne.

www.bostonglobe.com

(Not accusing you of anything, just the Globe). I do not understand why this is much of a news story, and the framing/headline further makes it sound mildly suspicious when it doesn't appear to be.

The state paying 30% over assessed value seems perfectly reasonable both in terms of not harming the (former) property owners and in terms of "obviously worth it if it avoids a drawn out legal battle". The eminent domain cost appears to be an extremely tiny portion of the overall project cost.

 

[North Shore]

(Not accusing you of anything, just the Globe). I do not understand why this is much of a news story, and the framing/headline further makes it sound mildly suspicious when it doesn't appear to be.

The state paying 30% over assessed value seems perfectly reasonable both in terms of not harming the (former) property owners and in terms of "obviously worth it if it avoids a drawn out legal battle". The eminent domain cost appears to be an extremely tiny portion of the overall project cost.

What the Globe has continuously failed to mention in any of its coverage of this long running story is that MassDOT has a clearly defined process for land acquisitions and everything they've done to this point can be traced to their Right of Way Manual.

 

[jklo]

The building in front of MB where Bass Pro Shops was could be costly.

It's such a good deal that I could see some near Ceclia being pissed they aren't getting it. Esp with the bridge being a lot closer to them now.

 

[Vagabond]

Unimpressed with the ideas for raising the Orleans/Eastham rotary. Presented this week - all introduce complexity that isn't there now for a "drive-by" area. If there were actually any chance pedestrians were nearby, option 1 certainly slows down traffic significantly (and will create a mess of both daily rush hour bottleneck and brutal tourist travel)

 

[NHMaples]

If they're going to reconstruct the whole thing, it seems like it should be built for the 500 year storm elevation. That is the evacuation route for the Lower Cape area.

 

[OldColony]

WCVB-TV reports a renewed push for Buzzards Bay commuter rail tonight:

BOURNE, Mass. — Inspired by heavy bridge traffic over Memorial Day weekend, Cape Cod lawmakers and transit officials are calling for expanded commuter rail service to Bourne and beyond. Leaders say the push could shape the future of transportation access on the Cape...

Sen. Dylan Fernandes, state Reps. Kip Diggs and Steven Xiarhos, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Administrator John Kennedy and others gathered at Buzzards Bay Park on Wednesday to make their case.

"Rail service would remove thousands of cars off the roads, reduce emissions, and provide critical transportation options," said Fernandes...

However, he said updated estimates are needed from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

"So far they've been really unresponsive when it comes to giving us direct numbers on how much this would cost," Fernandes said.

When asked about the issue, Gov. Maura Healey said she had instructed MBTA General Manager and Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng to consider the potential.

"I've been about expanding public transit around the state. We opened up a couple new Commuter Rail lines to Fall River and New Bedford. We're opening up new ferry service. We're pushing on east-west transit. And, you know, I'm all for expanding public transit around the state. We're certainly going to take a look at that," she said...

The video report linked above shows a Mass Coastal train queued to use the canal bridge to cross onto the Cape. The live report I saw earlier this evening had what I presume is an MBTA CapeFLYER crew qualifying train arriving at the Buzzards Bay platform.

 

[themissinglink]

I'm glad to see all of the recent discussion about extending the Commuter Rail to Buzzards Bay. Cape Cod needs MBTA service as soon as possible.

Local, State Officials Take A Ride On Potential MBTA Rail Service Line​

Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan welcomed a crowd aboard one of the MBTA’s inspection trains at Buzzards Bay station, including Cape Cod Regional Authority Administrator John Kennedy, state Senator Dylan A. Fernandes (D-Plymouth and Barnstable), state Representatives David T. Vieira (R-3rd Barnstable) and Steven G. Xiarhos (R-5th Barnstable), Bourne Select Board clerk Mary Jane Mastrangelo, and Select Board members Peter J. Meier and Jeanne L. Azarovitz. Coholan explained that the MBTA refurbished three cars that were originally slated for scrapping before repurposing them as an inspection train.
The last car featured a clear wall, allowing attendees to view the railroad and observe the existing infrastructure that could support a possible passenger rail service connecting the Buzzards Bay train station to the Middleborough train station, providing access to the South Coast Rail.
Attendees examined the platforms at the Wareham and Middleborough stations. Coholan also showed the contingent two potential location stops for the service at the Middleborough station, which resulted with a general agreement that the first location provided an easier transfer to the South Coast Rail line compared to the second location that was located a bit further away. “The rail line is there; it connects,” Coholan said of the railroad running from Buzzards Bay to Middleborough, which is “up to a reasonable passenger rail standard,” noting that adding signal infrastructure and positive train control will need to be discussed.
The goal of the day was to “have an honest conversation about what we have to do, what would be nice to do and what exists here today,” Coholan said, noting the trip provided an opportunity for stakeholders to put their “eyes on the infrastructure, talk about what’s involved.”
[...]
Coholan concluded that after Monday’s trip the discussion amongst the stakeholders shifted from if an MBTA rail service should be extended to Buzzards Bay to how that should be done. “There’s no reason why there can’t be a ‘next,’” he added, noting that the next phase is to “figure out what the ‘next’ is.”

 

[GP40MC]

From Railroad.Net. More misinformation...

 

[Charlie_mta]

From Railroad.Net. More misinformation...

View attachment 73764

Dude sounds anti-rail, for both the proposed Cape commuter rail and the current South Coast rail. He needs to look at the long game, which investment in rail often is, especially into these more remote areas. Results aren't always dramatic immediately. It's an investment for the future.

 

[F-Line to Dudley]

Dude sounds anti-rail, for both the proposed Cape commuter rail and the current South Coast rail. He needs to look at the long game, which investment in rail often is, especially into these more remote areas. Results aren't always dramatic immediately. It's an investment for the future.

This is the guy who when he was in the Legislature got a rider tacked onto an unrelated bill to forcibly rip up the out-of-service rails to Falmouth Depot to salt over that then- reactivation-candidate ROW for the bike path. He's also been retired from politics for 17 years, so isn't exactly a relevant voice anymore. Total car-brained NIMBY dinosaur then and now.

 

[GP40MC]

Yet there he is aiding and abetting the rip up the rails group.

 

[ritchiew]

I happened to see this this morning.

Ari Ofsevit (@ofsevit.bsky.social)

Update 2:

bsky.app

The graphics and data originally from mass511.com

 

[jklo]

I happened to see this this morning.

Yep. I think it is going to be unusually bad because of the heatwave and July 4th though.

 

[bigeman312]

There's a broad consensus that supports double tracking the Old Colony Line through Dorchester by shifting the Red Line junction south of Savin Hill. That double tracking is necessary for quality service expansion and improvement to the South Shore and Cape Cod. How likely is it that such a project breaks ground within a decade? What can move the needle in that direction?

 

[TheRatmeister]

There's a broad consensus that supports double tracking the Old Colony Line through Dorchester by shifting the Red Line junction south of Savin Hill. That double tracking is necessary for quality service expansion and improvement to the South Shore and Cape Cod. How likely is it that such a project breaks ground within a decade? What can move the needle in that direction?

I'd give it greater than 50% odds of breaking ground within 15 years. SCR Phase 2 isn't happening anytime soon and the pressure being put on the South Shore lines is and will stay immense because of that. We already see a load of rich and/or politically connected towns/pols pushing the T to fix it and studies are already in motion from what I understand. Add to that the desire for better Cape Cod rail service and I really think it will at least get very far in the planning process.

 

[Charlie_mta]

There's a broad consensus that supports double tracking the Old Colony Line through Dorchester by shifting the Red Line junction south of Savin Hill. That double tracking is necessary for quality service expansion and improvement to the South Shore and Cape Cod. How likely is it that such a project breaks ground within a decade? What can move the needle in that direction?

Moving the RL junction south of Savin Hill would be the most expedient way to double track the Old Colony. It's not ideal in terms of RL train flow (as I believe F-Line previously pointed out elsewhere on aB), but in terms of funding availability and getting it done in the foreseeable future, it's more of a winner than tunneling or other investment-heavy proposals made.