What do you think of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge? Input sought on replacement project

Frank Mulligan, Standard-Times
·3 min read

FAIRHAVEN — The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge has been in almost constant use since 1903.

And while motorists may occasionally feel they've spent a lot of that time waiting for the swing bridge allowing vessel passage to close so they can proceed, it accommodates thousands of vehicle trips per day.

In fact, it currently averages about 11,500 vehicle trips per day, 500 in both directions per hour at peak times.

And from 2013 to 2021, it has averaged 5,000 openings per year for navigation, allowing access to fishing vessels, pleasure crafts, tow boats, towed vessels and tankers.

CPR machine: New Bedford EMS has a new cardiac tool — here's how it saves lives

That information was provided by Joseph Breen, MassDOT project manager for the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge's replacement project, during a public information meeting at Fairhaven High School Monday. The purpose was not just to provide information but to gather community input in the project's early stages, as well.

Cars wait for the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge to open as the sun sets.
Cars wait for the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge to open as the sun sets.

A similar meeting is set for Thursday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Auditorium, 1121 Ashley Boulevard.

How will the new bridge be paid for?

With $100 million approved for the undertaking, MassDOT officials are moving forward on the design with a leading bridge engineering firm, Modjeski and Masters Inc.

State Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, who is House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, noted the Legislature approved $100 million in state funding for the bridge's design/replacement through the Transportation and Climate Bond Bill over the summer, which Gov. Baker signed into law.

Its replacement has been a priority, he's noted, due to its deteriorating condition and rising costs to keep it in operation.

Real estate: Mahogany banisters, charming built-ins: This Middleboro home is a DIY fantasy at $500k

When will the new bridge be finished?

Breen said the current schedule, which includes more opportunities for public input throughout, is geared toward construction in 2027. "We're in the very early stages of this process," he said.

In the meantime, much must be decided, including what type of bridge will be constructed on the cost, functionality and aesthetic merits — a swing bridge like the current bridge, a bascule bridge that is more like a draw bridge, or a vertical lift bridge like the Fore River Bridge between Quincy and Weymouth.

Though early on in the process, Breen said goals have been identified, including:

  • reconstructing the bridge to ensure a 75-year design life;

  • minimizing disruptions to bridge users during construction;

  • eliminating functional deficiencies that include long opening times that cause delays for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists;

  • addressing the minimal under-bridge clearance that requires it to open for most vessels;

  • addressing narrow navigational channels blocking larger vessels and the center pier location that increases the potential for vessel impact;

  • widening existing sidewalks.

The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is often closed due to repairs, including for the entire year in 1995.
The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is often closed due to repairs, including for the entire year in 1995.

Breen noted full roadway closures and detours will be necessary during construction. A navigational channel will be maintained throughout, though there will be some short-term closures coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fairhaven Select Chair Stasia Powers said, "This bridge is really critical infrastructure for both of our communities," especially with South Coast Rail coming and increasing vehicle traffic.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said the project was a long time coming. He said a 2014 study termed the bridge to be functionally obsolete.

He said four goals should be in the forefront: improving functionality for vehicles, pedestrians, and vessels; making it sustainable; minimizing disruptions during the process; and "looks."

"Aesthetics count," he said. If a vertical lift option is chosen, "it would be exceedingly prominent." Such a structure should be an icon, not an eyesore, he said.

Fairhaven Select board member Leon Correy asked that MassDOT use its resources to help out the small businesses that will be affected by the work by providing information on economic impacts as the project progresses.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge replacement project underway, seeks input