Diamondback terrapins cause halt on Route 6 bridge construction

Construction on the Route 6 bridge between Wareham and Marion has been delayed to protect the nesting habitats of diamondback terrapins on the banks of the Weweantic River. 

According to a statement from state Rep. Mark Silvia to the Marion Select Board on Tuesday, July 21, construction will be delayed until October while Mass Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program identifies areas where the turtles are nesting. Contacted by Wareham Week at presstime on July 22, Wareham Select Board Chair Sarah Corbitt said her board had not yet been notified.

As of Wednesday morning, work had clearly stopped as workers in bright yellow shirts surveyed the situation at the construction site.  

Barriers had been previously been placed on the road to keep the terrapins away from passing vehicles, but the state required all areas that can or could be used for nesting by the threatened species must be evaluated and cleared before construction can resume. 

To minimize extending the project timeline, the site will be categorized into suitable nesting areas, areas requiring further review and areas not equitable for nesting. These will be mapped and will dictate where construction can proceed. 

The project’s turtle biologist will also release a memorandum explaining what work can be done during the construction restriction. 

It remains unclear if any construction can continue until October, and the delay could extend construction for another year.