About the project
The New Bedford-Fairhaven Swing Bridge sees an average of 5,000 openings a year for vessels. Opened in 1903, it is in need of attention to address functional deficiencies.
The project consists of reconstructing the aging movable span swing bridge, which carries US Route 6 over the Acushnet River. The project is in the early design phase, with public involvement and feedback now being collected. Construction is estimated to take place in 2027.
Under the project, the existing Route 6 corridor will be maintained, and future corridor improvements will be considered. A full road closure and detour at the bridge will be necessary during portions of the project. The navigation channel will be maintained through short-term closures. Navigation will be required and coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Project goals
The proposal calls for reconstructing the bridge to ensure a 75-year design life. During construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions to bridge users.
The project will eliminate a number of functional deficiencies. Deficiencies include long opening times that cause delays for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Minimum under-bridge clearance requires the bridge to open for most vessels now while narrow navigational channels and a center pier location mean larger vessels cannot enter the upper harbor and there is an increased potential for vessel impacts. Also, existing bridge sidewalks are not wide enough for shared use.
To be decided is whether to replace the bridge with another swing bridge or to use a different bridge design. Engineering considerations and public input will be collected to make that decision.
Project impacts
- A full roadway closure and detour will be necessary during portions of the project
- Duration of the roadway detour will vary depending on the chosen alternative and will be an evaluation factor when assessing each alternative
- Navigation channel will be maintained through out the project
- Short-term closures to navigation will be required and coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard in advance
Potential impacts for pedestrians and bicyclists:
- Sidewalk closures will be required at similar times and durations of roadway closures
- Methods to assist pedestrian and bicyclists to travel from across bridge will be explored
- New bridge will be designed with accommodations and improvements for pedestrian and bicycle safety
Project timeline
October 2022:
- Early Public Engagement
Fall 2022 –Spring 2023:
- Public Agency Coordination
- Initial Investigations
- Navigation Study & Report
Winter 2022 –Summer 2023:
- Alternatives Development and Analysis
- Preliminary Roadway and Detour Analysis
Late 2023:
- Pre-25% Design Level Submission and Approval
2024:
- 25% Design Level Public Information Meetings
- 25% Design Level Submission and Approval
75% Design Level Submission and Approval
100% Design Level Submission and Approval
2027:
- Construction Project Advertisement
- Construction