New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Mechanical Problems Explained

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge has faced multiple shutdowns in recent months, each time listed as a “mechanical issue.” But what exactly is that issue?

The swing bridge that connects New Bedford and Fairhaven and carries Route 6 across the Acushnet River has long been notorious for its occasional issues. Usually, those issues involve the bridge being stuck in the ‘open’ position, closing it to vehicular traffic because it is not properly aligned with the roadway.

Recent bridge issues occurred on May 7 and May 11, as well as on March 9 and March 11.

Why the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Keeps Closing

According to a Massachusetts Department of Transportation spokesperson, the “mechanical issues” are “the bridge decking binding on the hydraulic jacks that raise the ends of the bridge to lock it into place for vehicle traffic.”

“The condition occurs from temperature differences between the cooler water and daytime solar heating,” the spokesperson said. “The upper portion of the bridge becomes significantly warmer than the lower portion, which causes a slight ‘curling’ effect at the ends of the swing span during bridge openings.”

Aging New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Still Handles Thousands of Openings

Construction began on the current New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge in 1901 and it opened in 1903. According to MassDOT, it sees an average of 5,000 openings for vessels per year, an average of 13.69 openings per day.

MassDOT Planning Repairs Before Replacement

However, just because the current swing bridge is due to be replaced, MassDOT is still working on the necessary repairs to ensure the aging bridge remains functional. Earlier this year, MassDOT initiated “Project 614257, Fairhaven-Bridge Preservation, F-01-002 (3PF), US 6 Over Acushnet River,” which the spokesperson said will “rehabilitate and replace mechanical and electrical components of the bridge and perform minor structural repairs and improvements.”

“The scope includes analyzing the truss for thermal response and determining what can be done to reconstruct the swing span ends and joints,” the spokesperson said.

According to MassDOT's documents, the repair is expected to cost $14 million while the bridge replacement is expected to cost over $200 million.

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

Not-So-Rave Reviews for Fall River's Braga Bridge

Love it or hate, most drivers on the SouthCoast use it several times a week. Now some of them have taken to Google to review their experience on Fall River's Braga Bridge.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall