New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Shut Down After Mechanical Failure

UPDATE: MassDOT reported the bridge had reopened as of 3:52 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is currently closed to vehicular traffic and the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours.

A Massachusetts Department of Transportation spokesperson told WBSM that the swing bridge that connects Fairhaven and New Bedford via Route 6 is “currently closed due to mechanical failure.”

MassDOT did not provide details as to the nature of the mechanical failure.

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WBSM first received reports from motorists regarding the bridge being closed just after 1 p.m. today. The MassDOT notice citing a closure of “several hours” was sent at 2:44 p.m., so the closure will likely remain in place through the afternoon.

“Drivers traveling through the affected area should seek alternate routes, expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution,” MassDOT said.

In addition, MassDOT announced a series of detours for road closures related to the Interstate 195 to Route 18 interchange rehabilitation project, which is expected to be completed in 2030.