New Bedford / Fairhaven Bridge

New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge Schedule

Operates on a fixed schedule during the day and on call at other times, with marine traffic having priority. The general schedule is as follows: 

Scheduled Openings

The bridge follows a specific schedule for marine traffic, and will open promptly at the following times daily, provided proper signal is given: 

• 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: On the hour (6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 a.m.).
• 11:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.: At a quarter past the hour (11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.). 

On-Call Openings

At all other times outside the scheduled periods (before 6 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., and after 6:15 p.m.), the bridge will open on call for marine traffic. 

• Vessels must call the bridge keeper’s office on marine channel 13 to request an opening.
• Openings at these times generally require at least a two-hour notice during certain holiday periods (e.g., Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day). 

Important Considerations

• Bridge openings typically take between 12.5 and 22.5 minutes from the time road traffic is stopped until it resumes.
• The draw will open at any time for emergency vessels or those with a draft exceeding 15 feet.
• The schedule is subject to temporary changes due to maintenance or mechanical issues.
• Drivers can check the MassDOT website at Mass511.com for potential detours and traffic information.