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NEW BEDFORD, 2025-06-26
I-195 Overhaul to Snarl New Bedford Traffic
A $400 million project promises long-term pain for eventual gain.
- The I-195/Route 18 interchange in New Bedford is set for a major overhaul.
- Construction is expected to last until the fall of 2030.
- The project will replace highway bridges and revamp the ramp system.
- Commuters should brace for significant delays.
Get ready for gridlock: What is causing potential traffic nightmares in New Bedford? The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is launching a $400 million rehabilitation project on I-195/Route 18, promising significant traffic disruptions.
A Commuter’s Lament: The Project Deconstructed
If you think the morning and afternoon rush hour on Interstate 195 through New Bedford is bad now, buckle up. MassDOT is about to start a major construction project, replacing the I-195 viaduct at the Route 18 interchange.
For those who regularly travel from Dartmouth to Fairhaven, or from the North End to the South End of New bedford, the current traffic situation might soon seem like a distant memory.
The rehabilitation encompasses replacing three highway bridges and the connecting ramp system.
Brace Yourselves: Construction Timeline
MassDOT anticipates that construction will continue until the fall of 2030. Much of the reconstruction is expected to be performed during daylight hours, but MassDOT says it will keep I-195 traffic moving, albeit slowly for most of the time.
Did you know? Construction of I-195 from Westport to the New Bedford-Fairhaven border spanned from 1963 to 1965. The extension to I-495 began in 1968 and concluded in 1974.
Crossing the Acushnet River already presents challenges. The Coggeshall Street Bridge is narrow and slow. route 6 and the New Bedford-fairhaven Bridge opens hourly for marine traffic.
The next five years may be grueling, but the upgrades promise to be worth it.
Beyond the Bottleneck: Understanding the I-195/Route 18 Project
The I-195/Route 18 rehabilitation project in New Bedford isn’t just about replacing bridges; it’s a complex undertaking designed to modernize a crucial transportation hub. The project’s scope extends beyond the immediate visual impact, promising to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and build a more resilient infrastructure for the future.
The project is expected to include the replacement of several aging overpasses and bridges, including the main structure carrying I-195 over Route 18. This also includes upgrades to the connecting ramp systems, addressing current congestion and safety concerns.
What are the key drivers behind this significant investment? The aging infrastructure necessitated the project, but MassDOT also aims to improve traffic efficiency and safety.
The existing bridges and ramps are nearing the end of their service life, and their design struggles to meet today’s traffic volumes. The new design will also incorporate modern safety features and wider lanes. The project aims to make the interchange safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle the region’s traffic demands for decades to come.
Specific Improvements to Expect
The reconstruction of the I-195 viaduct over the Route 18 interchange primarily targets three key areas:
- Bridge Replacement: Replacing the existing bridges with modern structures that meet current safety standards and load requirements. This will involve demolition of old bridges & the construction of new ones.
- Ramp System Optimization: Reconfiguring the on- and off-ramps to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. This includes updates to lane configurations and merging areas.
- Enhanced Safety Features: This includes updating lighting and guardrails, and smart traffic systems for real-time monitoring and response.
The project isn’t merely about replacing components; it’s about creating a more integrated and efficient transportation system. The design integrates modern engineering principles to provide safer and better road infrastructure to the community.
anticipating the Impact: What Commuters Can Do
While the long-term benefits are clear, the in-the-moment challenge for commuters is undeniable. The next five years require careful planning and consideration.
How can commuters proactively minimize the impact of the I-195/Route 18 construction? commuters should factor in potential delays, consider alternative routes, and stay informed about real-time traffic conditions.
Here are a few actionable tips to assist commuters:
- Plan Ahead: Before each trip, check traffic conditions using reliable apps or MassDOT’s real-time traffic data.
- Explore alternate Routes: Familiarize yourself with secondary routes, such as Route 6, even though they may also see increased traffic.
- Adjust Travel Times: If possible, adjust
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