New Bedford to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Hurricane Barrier

On Thursday, November 29, at 10:30 a.m. on a grassy knoll along the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier access road at the base of Gifford Street, Mayor Jon Mitchell will join representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other local elected officials to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier.

Construction of the New Bedford barrier began in 1962 through the cooperation of local, state and federal governments and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The barrier was built across New Bedford Harbor with the goal of greatly minimizing or eliminating the destructive effects of hurricane floodwaters.  It has proved its value many times, including most recently in managing tidal surges during Hurricane Sandy.

Attendees should park along the side of the access road, or in the Gifford Street boat ramp parking lot.