New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Closures Set for April, May

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — After two recent shutdowns, the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is scheduled to undergo repairs beginning next week and will see multiple days in which it will be closed to motor vehicles.

When the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Will Be Closed

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced today that the Route 6 bridge is scheduled for two weekend closures in April and May.

The first will happen next week, as the bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, April 10 through 5 a.m. on Monday, April 13. The second closure will take place next month, from 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, through 5 a.m. on Monday, May 4.

All work is expected to be completed by the morning of May 4.

Kate Robinson/Townsquare Media

What Drivers and Businesses Need to Know

MassDOT said signage will be in place, and access to all local businesses will be maintained throughout the bridge closures. Marine traffic will not be affected by the repair work.

Detours for Eastbound and Westbound Traffic

MassDOT also said the following detours will be in place during the times the bridge is closed to vehicles.

Traveling eastbound on Route 6 toward Fairhaven:

Turn left onto Pleasant Street
Turn right onto Hillman Street
Turn left onto the on-ramp to Route 18 northbound
Follow Route 18 northbound to I-195 eastbound
Take Exit 29 onto Route 240 southbound
Follow Route 240 southbound to Route 6

Traveling westbound on Route 6 toward New Bedford:

Turn right onto Route 240 northbound
Follow Route 240 northbound to I-195 westbound
Take Exit 24A onto Route 140 southbound
Follow Route 140 southbound to Route 6

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New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Shut Down Six Times Since June

The bridge has been closed due to mechanical issues at least three times in the past five months. First, it was closed in October 2025, then twice last month, on March 9 and March 11.

The bridge also closed on back-to-back days last summer, June 24 and June 25, as hot weather also kept the mechanism that opens and closes it from operating properly.

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

Source: New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge to Close for Multiple Weekends