MBTA to pay for New Bedford pedestrian bridge

STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

NEW BEDFORD OFFICIALS say the city will not be on the hook for any construction costs associated with a $21 million pedestrian bridge that will provide a link to a new downtown inter-city rail station.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office reported Tuesday that after more than a year of talks, the MBTA has agreed to design and build the walkway over John F. Kennedy Boulevard between Purchase Street and the station. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

“New Bedford deserves public amenities and spaces that are both functional and beautiful,” Mitchell said. “For a highly visible structure like this pedestrian bridge, excellence in design is a must. We have achieved that goal with this design, and I am grateful for the collaborative efforts between our team and the MBTA’s. The result will be a new city landmark of which we can all be proud.”

Mitchell is requesting that the city council approve a memorandum of understanding regarding the project between the MBTA and the city.