AASHTO Journal - Two State DOT Projects Get Environmental Clearance

Two major transportation projects – one in Massachusetts and one in Louisiana – recently gained critical environmental clearances from the Federal Highway Administration.

[Above photo by Louisiana DOTD]

In Massachusetts, the Federal Highway Administration approved a final Environmental Impact Statement and issued a Record of Decision for the state’s Cape Cod Bridges project – the final step in the federal National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process, which clears the way for final permitting and brings the state closer to securing more than $1 billion in federal funding to help construct the new bridges.

“From day one, we’ve made replacing the Cape Cod Bridges a top priority because we know how important they are to residents, businesses and everyone who depends on them,” said Governor Maura Healey (D) in a statement. “This federal approval is another major step toward delivering the modern, reliable bridges that Cape Cod deserves, and we’ll keep working every day to move this project into construction.”

The federal review process began in 2024, and FHWA’s approval reflects years of close collaboration among federal, state, regional and local partners.

Because of the size and complexity of the project, FHWA required the highest level of environmental review – an uncommon step that underscores the significance of the Cape Cod Bridges program, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation noted.

MassDOT added that it is currently completing the acquisition of property needed for the Sagamore Bridge replacement and evaluating statements of qualifications from design-build teams interested in delivering the project and expects to award a construction contract in late 2027.

“The Cape Cod Bridges are vital to the Commonwealth’s transportation network and … we are committed to moving this project forward and delivering safe, reliable, and modern bridges that will serve the region for years to come,” said Phil Eng, interim MassDOT secretary and general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, a division of MassDOT.

“This is an extraordinary milestone not only for the Cape Cod Bridges Program, but for transportation in Massachusetts,” noted Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT undersecretary and state highway administrator. “Receiving FHWA approval of the final EIS reflects years of thoughtful planning, robust engagement and close coordination with our federal and state partners as well as the Town of Bourne.”

Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, in partnership with FHWA, recently signed a Draft Supplemental EIS for the I-49 Lafayette Connector that will provide a critical link in the I-49 corridor – improving regional and statewide connectivity while supporting freight movement, reducing congestion, and creating opportunities for future growth throughout Acadiana.

The signing of this environmental document signifies that the project is “ready to move into the next phase” of public engagement before final federal approval, the agency said. Next steps include: a public hearing on the draft supplemental EIS; review of public comments by Louisiana DOTD and FHWA; and, finally, publication of the Record of Decision that concludes the environmental review process and allows the project to advance toward implementation.

“This … reflects years of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and public engagement,” noted Glenn Ledet, Louisiana DOTD secretary, in a statement. “More importantly, it moves us closer to delivering a project that will strengthen our transportation network, improve safety, and support economic growth while respecting the communities it serves,” he said. “[This] milestone demonstrates our commitment to building infrastructure that will benefit Louisiana for decades to come.”