Getting stuck at the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is a common experience for many drivers, often leading to a mix of frustration and unexpected reflection. As noted in local commentary, when faced with the inevitable wait due to the bridge’s closure, drivers have two choices: they can either grumble about the situation or take a moment to enjoy their surroundings. Some locals have begun to view these delays as opportunities to relax, take in the scenery, and appreciate the harbor views.
For those “in the know,” avoiding delays at the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge is possible by understanding its opening schedule for marine traffic. The bridge opens at set times throughout the day: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10:15, 11:15 a.m., and then again at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15, 5:15, and 6:15 p.m. While delays can average around 20 minutes, marine traffic has priority over vehicles. Knowing this schedule can help drivers plan their routes better and minimize frustration. However, I swear I’ve followed this guide and still found myself stuck waiting or, even worse, taking unnecessary detours when no boats were scheduled to cross.
This brings me to my billion-dollar idea, which might only cost the city about $5,000 (according to The Manifest on how much it costs to make an app). These days, just about everyone has a smart phone and there’s an app for just about anything. So, here’s the concept: Every time a boat requests an opening, the bridge operator could send out a mass notification to users of an app—let’s call it “Bridge Watcher” (since “Bridge Buddy” is already taken)…