Massachusetts DOT: All roadways in Route 79-Davol Street project now fully accessible to drivers

FALL RIVER – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements project has reached full beneficial use. All roadways are in their final configuration, including Route 79-Davol Street, and are now fully accessible to drivers.  

“This announcement is proof of what happens when smart planning and hard work come together. This corridor improvement project is opening four months ahead of schedule which means less congestion, transformational revitalization and more economic opportunities to Fall River — all sooner than expected,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful for the leadership of Secretary Eng and Undersecretary Gulliver, the team at MassDOT, and our public and private partners for their dedicated work making these improvements possible.”  

“Getting the 79 Davol Street Corridor improvement finished isn’t just great for Fall River, it’s great for Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s a clear example of why investing in transportation is so important and why our administration is committed to delivering for our cities and towns. These improvements were built smart and built to keep everyone moving, and the re-use of this corridor across 16 acres will be transformational for Fall River. It’ll provide new tax revenues, create new jobs, and unlock housing and economic development opportunities for the city and across the region. We’re thankful to the team at MassDOT for making it happen ahead of schedule.”  

“MassDOT’s Fall River Route 79 Davol Street Corridor Project is a perfect example of how transportation can be safe and reliable while also supporting and enhancing the local community’s character, needs, and wishes.  Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we have advanced with this transformational Design-Build project to do just that, improving the quality of life for those who live, work, or visit Fall River.  Not only can people safely traverse the corridor, but we have freed up land that can now be redeveloped, supporting and facilitating economic vitality. Because of the collaboration between The Healey-Driscoll Administration, Fall River’s municipal leaders, the state delegation and our transportation team, when we all work together, good things happen. As we complete the remaining construction work, we look forward to the significant economic benefits of this project in the future,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and General Manager Phil Eng.   

“We are pleased to announce that the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements project has reached full beneficial use, with all roadways open ahead of schedule,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “This project will deliver substantial improvements to safety and connectivity, along with future opportunities for green space and economic development. This work could not have happened without strong collaboration between the City of Fall River, the D.W. White Construction and SPS New England joint venture, our elected officials, and our MassDOT staff, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this project a reality.”  

The project transformed the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor into an urban boulevard with improved and new pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations as well as better multi-modal, cross street connections between the neighborhoods and the Taunton River.  The project has improved stormwater capacity, created new opportunities for Fall River to build green space and development parcels that contribute to the community fabric and economic growth. Construction began in 2023, with an estimated contract value of $115 million.   

In the coming months, crews will complete final construction activities, including final landscaping and sidewalk paving. Occasional single lane closures will be required throughout the project limits as these activities are being completed.   

Additional work will be required before the project formally concludes in summer of 2026. This work includes driveway and sidewalk paving, re-grading of impacted front yard landscaping, installing the proposed new landscape features, and miscellaneous punch list items.