Fact sheets
Overview
The goal of this project is to address poor conditions on the aged structure, improve safety and mobility, and construct a noise barrier for community benefit.
The scope of this project entails:
- Replacing the I-195 viaduct bridge structure from County Street until just beyond the Route 18‐ Exit 15 /Acushnet Avenue Interchange
- Replacing deficient bridge piers and abutments
- Replacing ramp bridges
- Widening merge lanes and lengthening on- and off-ramps
- Repairing local streets and adjacent sidewalks impacted by construction
- Repairing the parking lot below the structure
- Constructing new stormwater drainage system for DOT infrastructure
- Constructing a noise barrier for community benefit
- Constructing a new landscaped park, shared use path, and skate park below the interchange
The project team is engaging with the City of New Bedford, abutting residents and businesses, roadway users, and other stakeholders throughout the construction process. MassDOT is committed to lessening the temporary construction impacts on the community and traveling public.
Background
The Route I-195 to Route 18 Interchange runs through a busy part of New Bedford. Homes, businesses, and the Hayden-McFadden School abut the structure. There are also parking lots and a skate park below the structure.
A public design process took place in 2018-2019. In 2019, the process paused to refine the design. MassDOT resumed the public design process in 2023. Input on the design from the public and the City of New Bedford was incorporated to the greatest extent possible. The team gathered input and planning mitigation by:
- Engaging with the public
- Conducting an environmental justice analysis
- Conducting a structural and survey analysis
- Coordinating with local, city, and state government
The public outreach process during construction will seek to address any concerns, ideas, and questions. We want to hear from you.
Construction and traffic management
For the latest updates on construction, please visit the Traffic and construction updates page.
Long-term ramp closures
Closure of I-195 westbound ramp to Route 18 southbound from September 2025 to October 2027. Please see detour route below.
Closure of Route 18 northbound Ramp to I-195 westbound from September 2025 to October 2027. Please see detour route below.
Closure of I-195 eastbound Ramp to Route 18 southbound from October 2027 to November 2029. Please see detour route below.
Construction timeline
Construction will take place from 2025-2030 for an overall timeline of 5 years. It is currently anticipated that construction of the viaduct will take place in five phases.
Phase 1: Summer 2025 to Fall 2025
- Demolish existing median on I-195 bridges.
- Pave the I-195 median and construct westbound crossovers.
- Shift I-195 westbound traffic to temporary configuration on existing I-195 viaduct.
Phase 2: Summer 2025 to Summer 2027
- Demolish existing I-195 westbound viaduct superstructure, retaining wall, and westbound ramps.
- Construct I-195 westbound and ramp viaduct structure, Retaining Walls, I-195 eastbound footings and columns.
- Construct Route 18 northbound, ramps and stormwater basins.
Phase 3: Fall 2027
- Shift I-195 westbound traffic to completed westbound viaduct.
- Mill and Pave the I-195 median for eastbound crossover.
- Shift I-195 eastbound traffic to completed westbound viaduct.
Phase 4: Winter 2027 to Summer 2029
- Demolish existing I-195 eastbound Viaduct and eastbound ramp.
- Construct I-195 eastbound Viaduct and eastbound ramp.
- Construct and stormwater basins, parking lot and skate park.
Phase 5: Summer 2029 to Spring 2030
- Shift I-195 eastbound and westbound traffic to final alignments on proposed structures.
- Construct I-195 eastbound and westbound median.
- Final Paving, signing, pavement marking and landscape.
Impact mitigation
Regional/ Interstate
- During each phase, two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained on I-195.
- Real Time Traffic information will be posted on I-195.
- Ramps will be closed to traffic for extended construction periods and traffic will be detoured.
Local roadways
- Wayfinding signs for vehicle and pedestrian detours
- All driveways will remain open
- Parking on street and at school will be provided throughout construction
- Ramps to and from Cedar Grove Street and Penniman Street will be maintained throughout construction
- Dust and pollutant containment
- Lead Paint Abatement Plan
- Keeping abutters and users informed through public outreach
- Night and possible weekend work to shorten construction
Crews may work nights and weekends as needed to shorten construction, otherwise construction hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Staying Informed
Continue to visit the project website for more information on the project, impacts, and how to get involved and stay informed.
At the bottom of the page, sign up with your email to receive project updates.
If your neighborhood organization, advocacy group, or other community organization would like to request a briefing, please send an email to i195route18newbedford@dot.state.ma.us.