Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

2.5.3 OTHER CHANNELSOther channels serve the water transportation needs of Cape Cod. These waterwaysconnect harbors and major water routes, providing safe travel through otherwisedangerous waters.2.5.3.1 Woods Hole ChannelThe Woods Hole Channel is the most heavily traveled Cape Cod waterway (Table 2). Itis located between Penzance Point on the mainland and the northernmost of theElizabeth Islands. The channel connects Buzzards Bay with Great Harbor in WoodsHole.The Army Corps of Engineers has performed work on the Woods Hole Channel since1870. Major works include the dredging of the channel and the removal of dangerousshoals and boulders from the main channel. By 1913, the Corps completed the currentdimensions of the channel.The Woods Hole Channel is comprised of a main channel and two branches (Figure 20). The main channel, referred to as “The Strait,” is 2,500 feet long, 13 feetdeep and 300 feet wide. It connects an inlet of Buzzards Bay to Woods Hole betweenGrassy Island and Red Ledge. The larger branch, called “Broadway,” separates from theStrait at Middle Ledge and travels south of Red Ledge to Vineyard Sound. Broadway is1,300 feet long, 13 feet deep and 300 feet wide. The final branch simply provides a routeinto Buzzards Bay that is aimed towards the north. The smaller branch is also 13 feetdeep and 300 feet wide.Chapter 2.5: Water Transportation Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan | August 2011Page 198