Fall River-based Citizens~Union Savings Bank has broken ground on its newest branch in New Bedford.

The branch will be located on Ashley Boulevard, and will be the bank’s second branch in New Bedford and 10th branch overall.

The bank has also been awarded the Community Investment Award by Downtown New Bedford Inc. The award honors an institution that supports the community with its staff time, talent and financial support to local organizations.

"We are honored to receive this prestigious award from Downtown New Bedford Inc," said Carl W. Taber, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Citizens~Union Savings Bank. "The bank prides itself in being an institution that is committed to giving back to the community through corporate giving and the volunteer efforts of our employees."

The bank’s new 3,400-square-foot branch, set to open this summer, will include a 24-hour drive-up ATM, night drop and safety deposit boxes. The interior space of the building will have several private offices and a conference room.

"We are looking forward to better serving our customers with a second location in New Bedford," said Nicholas M. Christ, president and CEO of Citizens~Union Savings Bank. "Citizens~Union is pleased to continue our commitment to exceptional service while allowing added convenience with a tenth branch location."

"We sincerely appreciate Citizens~Union Savings Bank’s substantial financial investment in building a full-service branch in the north end, their second branch in the city of New Bedford. This project provides construction jobs and banking jobs. We value Citizens~Union’s continued confidence in our community and local economy," said Mayor Scott W. Lang.

Design and construction team includes Architect Jo Ann Bentley, Pace Project Management and Collins Construction Co.