Low-lying roads project moving forward in ten Cape Cod towns

This fall, the Cape Cod Commission and the Woods Hole Group began working with ten Cape Cod towns to prioritize the most critical road segments and develop alternative solutions for sea-level rise and storm surge adaptation.    

The potential for sea-level rise threatens many of Cape Cod's roadways. In addition, flooding could cut off access to and from critical areas.    

Over the past few months, residents in eight Cape Cod towns have attended virtual workshops hosted by the Cape Cod Commission and the Woods Hole Group. After learning about extensive data collected, residents identified two priority road segments to focus on in each community. Following the workshops, the Woods Hole Group will conduct a feasibility analysis on the chosen segments and identify three potential solutions, including cost estimates. The solutions will include nature-based, traditional engineered strategies, and alternative approaches such as managed retreat or abandonment. Towns may then use these conceptual adaptation plans to pursue funds for implementation.   

Participants in the low-lying roads project have provided information critical to selecting the highest priority roadways in each community. Residents know their towns best and have shared essential local knowledge that helps enhance the extensive data collected.   

When implemented, solutions from the low-lying roads project will increase the region's resiliency against climate change and help achieve goals outlined in the Cape Cod Climate Action Plan.  

More information on the project can be found by visiting https://www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/low-lying-roads-project/