New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Briefly Closes After Power Outage

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge was closed down for a brief period of time this morning.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation spokesperson John Goggin told WBSM that a power outage in the area “impacted the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge while it was in the act of closing.”

Goggin said a backup generator was utilized by a MassDOT contractor in order to complete the bridge closure.

The power has now been restored and the bridge is now properly functioning, he said.

Goggin said the power went out at about 9:10 a.m., with the generator started at 9:15 a.m., allowing the bridge to finish closing and reopen to vehicle traffic at 9:24 a.m.

The bridge, which is over 120 years old, is set to be replaced with construction expected to begin in 2027. It is currently in the design phase.

Rep. William Straus, chair of the joint committee on transportation, has said it is expected to be a vertical lift bridge.

Hilarious Google Reviews of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge

We've all been there. You think you've made it with a couple of minutes to spare, only to get caught at the red light as the bridge closes. Some of us turn around. Others wait. What most of us don't do, however, is take our anger to the internet — but apparently, several people have, and the results are both hilarious and relatable.

With an average rating of two stars on Google, our love-to-hate-it SouthCoast landmark proves that it's at least slow enough for those stuck waiting to grab their phones and pour out their feelings online. From glowing to glowering, here's what people have to say about the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson

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Filed Under: Fairhaven, New Bedford, New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge

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