The New Bedford – Fairhaven bridge has been stuck in its current position – closed to fishing vessel traffic, but open to vehicle/foot traffic since Thursday’s snow storm. The current bridge was built in 1899-1902 and has gone through several major repairs over the past few decades.
“This is yet another demonstration as to why the bridge should be replaced,” stated New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The structure was built before the automobile and the rise of New Bedford’s fishing industry, and is functionally obsolete. The state needs to move forward with a new bridge before the current structure becomes a bigger problem for mariners and motorists alike.”
Estimates are $50 million total to fix the bridge and $100 million or more, depending on the design selected, to replace it. Unless the state or federal government funds a replacement, fixing is the best residents can hope for.
Estimates are that the bridge will be fixed by Monday.