PRESS RELEASE ~ JULY 6, 2026

Town of Wellfleet

300 Main St. Wellfleet, MA 02667

Thomas Guerino, Town Administrator

Phone: (508) 349.0300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2026

TOWN OF WELLFLEET ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY ACCEESS RESTRICTIONS TO GRIFFIN ISLAND DURING BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Wellfleet, MA – The Town of Wellfleet is advising residents and visitors of temporary access restrictions to Griffin Island during scheduled construction activities that are associated with the Herring River Restoration Project and the replacement of the Chequessett Neck Road Bridge.

During the week of July 14, 2026, construction crews will be removing temporary bridge components using a crane positioned on the new bridge. In order to safely complete this work, Chequessett Neck Road will be closed beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, with Thursday, July 16 reserved as a rain date if needed. Each closure is expected to last approximately four (4) to eight (8) hours, after which traffic will resume for the remainder of the day.

The Town recognizes that these bridge closures coincide with the current closure of the High Toss Road causeway. As a result, Griffin Island will temporarily have no vehicular access during the scheduled bridge closure periods. The Town understands the inconvenience and concern this creates for residents and visitors and has been working closely with the project team to minimize both the duration of the closures and their impact on the community.

To help ensure public safety during these temporary access restrictions:

Police and Fire personnel will be stationed on site throughout the closures.

An Incident Action Plan has been developed to address any emergency that may arise while access is temporarily restricted.

Construction activities will proceed as quickly and safely as possible to restore access at the earliest opportunity.

Police officers will conduct a sweep of the Great Island and Duck Harbor Beach parking areas before each closure begins to notify visitors and ensure no vehicles inadvertently become stranded.

Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead. Any vehicle remaining on Griffin Island after the 7:00 a.m. closure begins will not be able to leave until construction activities are completed for the day. Anyone planning to visit Griffin Island should do so only after considering these temporary access restrictions.

An additional one-day bridge closure will be required during the week of August 10 to complete the remaining work. The Town will issue another public notice as soon as the exact date and anticipated closure time have been confirmed.

Town Administrator Tom Guerino, "Public safety remains the Town's highest priority. While these temporary closures are necessary to safely complete this important infrastructure project, we fully recognize that Griffin Island will be without vehicular access during the scheduled closure periods. Working with our public safety partners and the project team, we have developed contingency plans to respond to emergencies and minimize the duration of the closures. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of everyone affected as this important work moves forward."

The Town of Wellfleet appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and visitors as this important infrastructure project continues. While these temporary closures are disruptive, they are necessary to safely complete the bridge replacement and advance the Herring River Restoration Project.

For project-related questions, members of the public may contact the Herring River Restoration Project team at herringriver@envpartners.com or by calling 617-657-0295 (voicemail; calls will be returned).