7 Critical Updates To The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Schedule You Must Know Before Driving Today
Navigating the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, a vital artery for Route 6 vehicular traffic, requires knowing its precise and often-strict operating schedule. As of December 22, 2025, the official schedule for the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge (also known as the Fish Island Bridge) remains consistent with federal regulations, opening at specific, predictable times throughout the day to accommodate marine traffic on the Acushnet River. Due to its status as a historic swing bridge and ongoing rehabilitation projects, drivers must be aware of both the standard lift schedule and the potential for unscheduled closures or maintenance detours that can significantly impact travel between the two South Coast communities.
This essential guide provides the most current 2025 schedule, detailing the exact bridge lift times for the three main daily periods, along with critical information on how mariners can request an on-demand opening and what drivers should know about the upcoming multi-year bridge replacement project. Whether you are a local commuter, a commercial driver, or a vessel operator, understanding these time slots and operational procedures is key to avoiding frustrating and lengthy delays.
The Official New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Schedule (2025 Update)
The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, designated as the Route 6 Bridge, operates under a fixed schedule set by the U.S. Coast Guard, which dictates when the drawbridge must open for vessel traffic. This schedule is designed to balance the needs of the busy New Bedford Harbor with the high volume of vehicular traffic crossing the Acushnet River.
The operational day is divided into three distinct periods, each with a different opening frequency:
Peak Morning Commute (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM)
During the morning rush hour, the bridge opens on a strict, predictable schedule to minimize disruption to vehicular traffic. These openings occur promptly at the top of the hour.
- 6:00 AM
- 7:00 AM
- 8:00 AM
- 9:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
Mariners must plan their transit through the navigation channel to coincide with these exact times. Any vessel requiring passage outside of these times during the peak period will typically be asked to wait for the next scheduled opening.
Midday and Afternoon Schedule (11:15 AM to 6:15 PM)
The midday and early afternoon schedule shifts to a structure that favors slightly more frequent openings for maritime commerce and recreational boating, though still at fixed times. The bridge opens 15 minutes past the hour.
- 11:15 AM
- 12:15 PM
- 1:15 PM
- 2:15 PM
- 3:15 PM
- 4:15 PM
- 5:15 PM
- 6:15 PM
This period is particularly critical for commercial fishing vessels, recreational boaters heading out to Buzzards Bay, and other marine traffic utilizing the New Bedford Harbor. Drivers should anticipate a mandatory delay around the quarter-hour mark during this window.
After-Hours and Early Morning (Before 6:00 AM and After 6:15 PM)
Outside of the fixed morning and afternoon schedule, the bridge operates on an "on-demand" basis. This means the bridge will open promptly whenever a vessel signals or calls the bridge keeper requesting passage.
- On-Demand Openings: Any time before 6:00 AM and after 6:15 PM.
- How to Request: Mariners must contact the bridge keeper’s office directly using marine radio Channel 13.
While this is convenient for vessel operators, it means drivers using Route 6 late at night or very early in the morning must be prepared for potential, albeit quick, unscheduled closures.
Navigating Delays: Essential Tips for Drivers and Mariners
The New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is one of the most frequently opened drawbridges in Massachusetts, leading to regular congestion for vehicular traffic. Smart planning can help both drivers and mariners minimize their wait times.
Tips for Vehicular Traffic (Route 6 Drivers)
The most important rule for drivers is to treat the bridge opening times as mandatory closure times. If you are approaching the bridge just before a scheduled lift (e.g., at 6:55 AM or 1:10 PM), you should either speed up to cross or slow down and wait a few minutes before approaching to avoid being stuck at the gate. The typical closure duration for a bridge lift is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the volume of vessel traffic.
Alternative Routes: While the bridge is a direct link, drivers can use alternative routes, most notably the New Bedford-Fairhaven Veterans Memorial Bridge (Route 195) to the north. This is the primary detour during prolonged closures or major maintenance projects and can be a faster option during peak bridge lift times.
Real-Time Updates: MassDOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation) is the governing authority. Checking local traffic apps or radio stations for real-time updates on bridge status and unexpected mechanical failures is highly recommended. Recent incidents, including mechanical failures, have caused the bridge to shut down completely for several hours, requiring all traffic to use the I-195 detour.
Tips for Marine Traffic (Vessel Operators)
For mariners, the key is clear and timely communication with the bridge keeper. The bridge is a critical access point for the New Bedford Harbor, one of the nation's most important fishing ports, and is used extensively by commercial fishing vessels, ferries, and recreational boats.
- Call-Ahead Procedure: For on-demand openings (before 6:00 AM and after 6:15 PM), contact the bridge keeper on VHF Marine Radio Channel 13. Announce your vessel name, location, and request for an opening.
- Seasonal Planning: The peak boating season in the region generally runs from April 15th through October 31st. Expect increased vessel traffic and potential delays during this period, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Emergency Openings: Regulations specify that the bridge must open promptly for vessels in distress or for authorized government vessels, regardless of the fixed schedule.
The Future of the Route 6 Bridge: Replacement and Construction Alerts
The current New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is a historic through truss swing bridge that has served the community for decades. However, its age and the increasing demands of both vehicular and marine traffic have led to a major infrastructure decision: replacement.
The Bridge Replacement Project
MassDOT has been actively planning the replacement of the existing structure with a modern, higher-capacity bridge. This project is a massive undertaking that will fundamentally change the Route 6 corridor over the Acushnet River.
- Project Timeline: While design work is ongoing, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin around 2027. The new structure is proposed to be a 190-foot-tall bridge, which may alleviate some of the current navigational constraints.
- Impact on Traffic: The multi-year replacement project will necessitate significant traffic changes. MassDOT anticipates that a full road closure and detour at the movable span will be required during certain phases of the construction. These closures will force all vehicular traffic onto the I-195 Veterans Memorial Bridge for extended periods.
Current Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Even before the full replacement begins, the existing bridge undergoes regular maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure its operational safety. These projects, often identified by MassDOT project numbers like BR# F-01-002=N-06-001, can lead to unexpected, short-term closures or reduced traffic lanes.
Drivers should be vigilant for posted detour signs and announcements from the City of New Bedford and Fairhaven town officials. The bridge's importance means that while MassDOT strives to maintain the navigation channel during construction, vehicular access is often the first to be restricted.
Key Entities and Resources for Fairhaven-New Bedford Bridge Information
For the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information, rely on official sources and key entities involved in the bridge’s operation and maintenance. These entities are your best bet for avoiding unexpected delays:
- MassDOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation): The primary authority for all bridge maintenance, construction, and official schedules for Route 6.
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Sets the federal regulations (33 CFR Part 117 Subpart B) that govern the bridge's fixed opening schedule.
- Bridge Keeper's Office: The on-site personnel responsible for operating the drawbridge and communicating with mariners via VHF Marine Radio Channel 13.
- City of New Bedford / Town of Fairhaven: Local government bodies that issue public safety alerts and traffic advisories related to bridge closures and detours.
- The Acushnet River: The waterway the bridge crosses, connecting the upper harbor to Buzzards Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Fish Island: The small island where the bridge's western approach is located, leading into New Bedford's downtown area.
Understanding the fixed schedule and the future construction plans for this vital link is essential for anyone traveling between Fairhaven and New Bedford. Always check for current alerts, especially during peak boating season and major holidays, to ensure a smooth journey across the Acushnet River.
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