New Bedford State Pier Wharves Closing for Urgent Repairs

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — MassDevelopment is shutting down two more wharves at New Bedford State Pier, after an inspection revealed they are in need of significant and immediate repairs.

Timeline and Funding for Repairs

The South Wharf and the East Wharf are expected to be closed for the next two to three years as a result, provided emergency permitting for the work can be acquired. If not, then the wharves could be closed for up to three to four years. This follows the 2019 closure of the North Wharf for similar reasons; that wharf has yet to be reconstructed and reopened.

Not only will the timeline be dependent on the emergency permitting, it will also be dependent on the securing of public funds.

“MassDevelopment is deeply committed to protecting the long-term vitality of the New Bedford waterfront,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We recognize the pier’s importance to the city’s economy, culture, and working waterfront, and we’re working urgently with tenants and partners across all levels of government to ensure safety, continuity, and a strong recovery.”

Get our free mobile app

Why the Wharves Need Immediate Repairs

MassDevelopment, which operates New Bedford State Pier, recently had a team of professional engineers evaluate the condition of the pier as it seeks to redevelop a portion of the property to allow for more retail and restaurant space, in addition to keeping the current industries in place such as the Seastreak and Cuttyhunk ferries, and allowing the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey to remain docked there during its annual time in New Bedford.

During that evaluation, which included inspection of the South Wharf and East Wharf from the water, it was determined that the entire South Wharf and a majority of the East Wharf would need to close in the coming weeks so that significant repairs to or even replacement of the structures could be done.

Impact on Ferries and Local Businesses

The closure is expected to displace all water-based businesses that utilize the State Pier property; that includes the ferry services, although MassDevelopment is working to ensure the ferries can continue in some fashion from State Pier.

Mayor Mitchell's Response

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said the hope is to get all of the businesses an alternative site quickly.

“The City is working closely with the relevant state agencies to ensure that the businesses affected by the structural repairs on the State Pier can find suitable space elsewhere in the Port of New Bedford,” he said. “I am grateful that the state did not wait to address the problem, which I note is not likely to impede the ongoing effort to develop the western edge of the pier.”