NEW BEDFORD — The estimated $400 million replacement of the 1,350-foot-long, many-ramped “viaduct” bridge that carries Interstate 195 over Route 18 is a little like heart surgery on New Bedford.
Anthony Christakis, supervising project manager for MassDOT , told city councilors in a recent meeting, “We get it. We’re performing open heart surgery on New Bedford. This is right in the middle of New Bedford.”
But the work — which will stretch from County Street to Route 18 northbound to the eastern side — is also vital to the region, he said…