Changes coming for drivers who travel in the area of the Route 79 project in Fall River

Changes are coming to the Route 79 project in Fall River.

MassDOT states that they are scheduled to permanently close the temporary U-turn currently in place between The Cove restaurant and Senator Thomas Norton City Pier. This will be replaced by the permanent U-turn configuration located 100 feet to the south. Motorists will be directed to utilize the new U-turn. 

Additionally, to facilitate work at the proposed intersection at Brightman Street and Route 79 Southbound, traffic on the Rt. 6 Eastbound/Rt. 79 Southbound ramp from the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge will shift slightly to the east. Further, traffic on Rt. 79 Southbound passing under the Rt. 6 Eastbound/Rt. 79 Southbound ramp from the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge will shift slightly to the west. 

Vehicles will no longer be directed to use the temporary U-turn and can instead use the permanent U-turn in its final configuration and motorists will be directed to travel using slightly shifted travel lanes in work zones. 

The start date of this change is scheduled for April 22, 2024.

Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change. 

Davol Street and Route 79 run along the Taunton Riverfront in Fall River. Currently, access between the neighborhoods and the waterfront is limited and the corridor lacks bicycle accommodations. MassDOT is redesigning the mile-long corridor to improve mobility, connectivity, and safety along and across Route 79 and Davol Street. The corridor will be transformed into a multi-modal urban boulevard, connecting the neighborhoods to the Taunton River while promoting economic growth by creating new development parcels to contribute to economic development.