Canal to be filled in!?!?

[Canalman]

From Cape Cod Times 4/28/05

BOURNE - The Army Corps of Engineers met yesterday with the Massachusetts Highway Department to discuss the results of their recent study. The study was conducted by both organizations to determine the plight of the Cape Cod Canal, it seems that the ever increasing tourist traffic is taking its toll on the two bridges that connect Cape Cod to the mainland. Jeremy Santiago of the Army Corps of Engineers had this to say, "A total rebuild of the steel structures would be an astronomical expense."

The study conducted over the last 3 years tested the strength of the bridges (built in the 1930's, the volume of local traffic and the volume of boat traffic through the Canal. The weight of the study landed on the side of the motorist. Carl Bernhard of Acushnet Architectural Association conducted a case study on the life expectancy of the two bridges and had this to say, "The structures are old and the construction is old hat" said Bernhard, "With the volume of traffic going over these bridges these days, I give them 2 ro 3 years before we see serious deterioration."

Needless to say, an agreement had to be reached, fast. The two organizations settled on removal of the bridges and filling the historic Cape Cod Canal back in. "We know the history at stake here and we know that many will be saddened by our decision, but we feel that these drastic measures must be taken before something catastrophic happens" said Santiago. Constuction will begin on June 14, 2005.