Traffic congestion on Cape Cod has been a constant problem for years.

In response, Rep. Atsalis has taken on the long talked about task of building an exit off Route 6 between Exits 6 (near the Burger King in West Barnstable) and Exit 7 in Yarmouth. This project is commonly known as the Exit 6 ½ Project.

Currently, large trucks either clog Route 132 in Hyannis or Route 6A in Barnstable Village and Yarmouthport.

Route 132 is a busy road in the off-season and is completely stressed out in the summer. Traffic coming off Exit 6 to Route 132 during these months often backs up, forming a three-mile traffic jam leading into Hyannis.

Route 6A is a winding, rural road lined with homes that no 18-wheeler should be traveling on. But trucks many times use this road to bypass the traffic jam on Route 132. They then use Mary Dunn Road, which is also a quiet road lined with homes or continue to Yarmouthport and eventually empty out onto Route 28 in South Yarmouth, another congested road.

Many of these trucks are heading for destinations in Independence Park, such as Stop & Shop, BJ’s Wholesale, The Home Depot, or the many businesses that line Route 132, including the Cape Cod Mall.

"There are many benefits to bringing this project to fruition," Rep. Atsalis says. "It would ease congestion on these roads as well as serve as a boon to businesses in Independence Park, which would benefit from easy access to the highway."

Rep. Atsalis has formed an Exit 6 ½ Study Committee, which includes a diverse group of people drawn from government, business, health care, nonprofits, and concerned citizens.

"I have had several meetings with Mass Highway Commissioner John Cogliano about this project, and he and the agency are very interested," Atsalis said. "Hopefully, we will soon be bringing design plans in front of the District’s citizens to get their input. This is a great project whose time has come."