Construction Begins on Fairhaven Rail Trail, Causing Temporary Closures

Before you lace up your sneakers or hop on your bike, you might want to check if your nearby route is accessible.

The Fairhaven Board of Public Works will begin the Fairhaven Rail Trail / Bicycle Path Project on Monday, May 4, 2026.

"Portions of the path will be temporarily closed while they work; signage will be posted accordingly," the Town of Fairhaven shared on social media.

Where Construction Will Begin on the Rail Trail

According to the Town Facebook page, the plan is to begin work starting "at the Mattapoisett town line and work towards the center of town."

READ MORE: Bike Path Etiquette 101: Rules to Follow on SouthCoast Rail Trails

For those unfamiliar with the trail, this happens around Brandt Island Road. Cyclists, runners and walkers who frequent the bike path know this crossing well and may even start their trek from this location as a small parking area is available there.

How the Closures Will Impact Cyclists and Walkers

The Town of Fairhaven has been busy making improvements to the popular rail trail for a while.

Last year, the town shut down a portion of the Phoenix Rail Trail behind Stop & Shop, altering the route for quite some time.

READ MORE: Part of Fairhaven's Phoenix Bike Trail Will Be Closed For a Month

Now, I know what you're thinking, it's not ideal timing. The weather is warming up and SouthCoast residents are clamoring to spend as much time outside as possible.

I, too, frequent this trail as it is steps away from our Fun 107 studios, so I get it. However, the silver lining is knowing that the finished product will make your next trek on the rail trail far more enjoyable.

What Improvements Are Planned for the Trail

"Some sections will be left as gravel for a short period of time before paving large segments," the post said. Ahh, a smooth, flat surface of road to cruise along? Now that sounds great.

The work begins on Monday, May 4, but no end date has been determined. As with any outdoor project, weather certainly plays a part in the timeline.