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Sagamore Bridge, Cape Cod

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By kiwi91


The Sagamore Bridge - The Major Thruway to Cape Cod Destinations

Built in 1933, the Sagamore Bridge opened for use in 1935 and remains the most popular bridge to get to the major Cape Cod destinations. From Route 3 in Massachusetts, the highway becomes Route 6 and immediately heads southeast to Bourne and the rest of Cape Cod. Looking to the west while heading over the bridge, you'll see more of the canal. Looking east, you can sometimes see the eastern Outer Cape area on a clear day.


Driving Over the Sagamore Bridge

History of the Sagamore Bridge

Before the addition of the "flyover" interchange before the Sagamore Bridge, there was a rotary. The rotary backed up traffic before the bridge both ways for miles, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. With the upgraded highway interchange, the traffic has been relieved greatly.

To get a good look at the bridge up close, you can take route 6 west towards the Bourne Bridge. There are several pullover parking spots along the canal to get out, park, and walk to the Sagamore Bridge via the bike paths. These paths run along both sides of nearly the entire canal.

The Sagamore Bridge was built to replace a drawbridge, which did was not built to withstand the large traffic the bridge was seeing. You could also argue that the Sagamore Bridge, too, isn't big enough for the large amount of traffic that heads to the Cape every summer.

Further west down the canal, its sister bridge, the Bourne Bridge, is identical in look to the Sagamore Bridge and was built during the same time period. It connects traffic heading from Route 495 (or Route 25 as it becomes near the Cape), and Route 28, which reaches Falmouth and Bourne.

The Sagamore Bridge as seen from Route 6, mainland side.
The Sagamore Bridge as seen from Route 6, mainland side.

The Canal Waters Glisten Below the Sagamore Bridge

Have you driven over the Sagamore Bridge?

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Sign of the Sagamore Bridge, indicating the dates the bridge was worked on (and completed).
Sign of the Sagamore Bridge, indicating the dates the bridge was worked on (and completed).

Do you like the new "flyover" before the Sagamore Bridge, or did you like the rotary better?

  • The flyover is better.
  • The rotary was better.
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Underneath the Sagamore Bridge.
Underneath the Sagamore Bridge.
The bike path next to the Sagamore bridge. This runs on both sides of the canal, however the Cape side is usually less crowded.
The bike path next to the Sagamore bridge. This runs on both sides of the canal, however the Cape side is usually less crowded.

Recommended Books on Cape Cod

Cape Cod: Illustrated Edition of the American Classic Cape Cod: Illustrated Edition of the American Classic
Price: $18.69
List Price: $35.00
The 1858 Map of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket The 1858 Map of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket
Price: $31.50
List Price: $50.00
Cape Cod Cape Cod
Price: $4.25
List Price: $7.99
Good Night Cape Cod (Good Night Our World series) Good Night Cape Cod (Good Night Our World series)
Price: $5.18
List Price: $9.95

Visiting the Cape

Traveling over the bridge only takes a few minutes if there's no traffic. I wouldn't recommend walking over the bridge as the sidewalks are tiny and very close the road. Taking a boat cruise through the canal will give you an up close look right under the bridge, as well as the entire canal.

When to visit the Cape

The summer months are the best for weather, but worst for traffic and tourists. The Cape does get crowded. For a great experience, you can head to the Cape in the fall or spring, as well as winter. There's something special about heading to this area when no one else is around and the beaches are all yours! You'll also find cheaper rates, which is an added plus.


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