This image shows Route 6 westbound traffic coming from the bridge, High and North Second Streets in the fall of 1956. The photo is courtesy of Spinner Publications as part of a new collaboration between Senior Scope and Spinner, bringing readers historic photos of New Bedford and surrounding areas from Spinner’s unique collection.

Before the completion of Interstate 195, all traffic heading to or returning from Cape Cod via Providence, Connecticut and New York rumbled through the city streets of New Bedford on US 6. At times, as on holiday weekends, traffic would back up the entire length of North or Kempton Streets. Bumper to bumper the cars crawled through the West End. And if the Fairhaven Bridge were to open for marine traffic, well, forgetaboutit!

We invite readers to join us in remembering days past by sharing their older photos and stories for publication. To participate, email digital photos and background stories to Beth Perdue at bperdue@coastlinenb.org, mail them to Senior Scope, 863 Belleville Ave., New Bedford, MA 02745, or call 774-438-2729 for more information.

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