South Coast Bikeway has announced an important accessibility and transportation project that will help create a safer, more direct connection for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between Fairhaven, New Bedford, and the New Bedford train station.
The project will replace the existing staircase on Route 6 with an ADA-compliant shared-use ramp, providing safe pedestrian and bicycle accommodations where none currently exist.
Located on Route 6 Westbound, just west of the Fairhaven/New Bedford Bridge, connecting to MacArthur Drive in New Bedford, the project will help close a critical gap in the South Coast Bikeway. A future connection to the Blue Lane Working Waterfront Connector will further strengthen this important regional bicycle and pedestrian network.
The lack of a ramp on the north side of Route 6 is currently the only major impediment to cyclists traveling from Fairhaven and points east to the New Bedford train station. Without this connection, pedestrians and cyclists must take lengthy detours to the south, creating a barrier that can discourage walking and biking to and from the station.
Project Overview
- Location: Route 6 Westbound, west of the Fairhaven/New Bedford Bridge, connecting to MacArthur Drive in New Bedford
- Accessibility: Replaces the existing concrete stairs with an ADA-compliant shared-use ramp
- Safety Improvements: Adds path lighting and improves pedestrian and bicycle access
- Sidewalk Improvements: Fills an existing sidewalk gap along MacArthur Drive
- Drainage: Includes drainage improvements
- Current Status: Design phase is underway
- Construction: Planned to begin in Summer 2028
Attend the Virtual Public Hearing
The public is invited to attend the upcoming Zoom meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
South Coast Bikeway is excited to see this project moving forward. This new connection will be an important step toward making it easier and safer for people to walk and bike between Fairhaven, New Bedford, and the regional rail network, while helping advance a more connected South Coast Bikeway.
