The Cape Cod Canal, which opened in 1914, shortened the ocean route from New York City to Boston by 62 miles (100 km).
Due to gridlock during peak summer months, and growing traffic issues even off-season, constructing a third automobile bridge over the canal was a topic of discussion for many years.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts determined that due to overcapacity on the Sagamore Bridge, a third vehicular crossing would be necessary sometime after 1975.
Another proposal, for the Southside Connector expressway, suggested twinning the Bourne Bridge as part of capacity improvements for the roadway.
[11] A local farmer fought the state's effort to cross her land with Route 25 for 25 years, eventually winning that fight in 1982.