Massachusetts DOT opens bidding for 20-acre waterfront development in Fall River

FALL RIVER- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation today released an Invitation to Bid for the redevelopment of approximately 20 acres of waterfront property along the Taunton River, marking the next major milestone in transforming Fall River’s waterfront. Created through the Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project and located adjacent to the MBTA’s new Fall River Depot commuter rail station, the site offers a rare opportunity for large-scale, transit-oriented development that can deliver new housing, jobs and long-term economic growth for the South Coast. 

“We’re turning decades of planning and infrastructure investment into an opportunity to build more housing, create jobs, and reconnect Fall River with its waterfront,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With South Coast Rail now connecting Fall River to the rest of the region, this site is uniquely positioned for transit-oriented development that will bring new homes, new businesses and new energy to the city. We’re excited to invite developers to help shape the future of this incredible waterfront and continue building on the momentum happening across the South Coast.” 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a former highway corridor into a vibrant neighborhood where people can live, work and enjoy Fall River’s waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By pairing major transportation investments with housing and economic development, we’re helping communities unlock their full potential while making it easier for people to live near transit, jobs and downtown amenities. We look forward to seeing the creative proposals this opportunity attracts.” 

“In partnership with the City of Fall River and working collaboratively for years with federal, state and local partners, MassDOT is proud that we delivered the Route 79 Davol Project that opened up and made possible this economic development opportunity,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By transforming the Route 79 corridor into a multimodal boulevard, investing in South Coast Rail, and improving connections between neighborhoods and the waterfront, we are glad to now release the invitation to bid on this transit-oriented development site. Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we delivered on Southcoast Rail, the Fall River Depot commuter rail station that will facilitate this tremendous development opportunity.” 

“Housing is about creating opportunities for people to build their lives in the communities they call home, and this waterfront site represents an extraordinary opportunity for Fall River,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “The city has already done important work to create a clear and predictable path for development, and this site has the potential to deliver more than 1,000 new homes near transit, jobs, and downtown. We are proud to partner with Fall River to help turn this vision into homes, economic growth, and a stronger future for families across the South Coast.” 

“I want to thank the Healey/Driscoll Administration for their continuing commitment of the Route 79/ Davol Street project,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “We are excited to see this transformational project at this stage as the future growth and development of these parcels on our city’s waterfront will bring close to 1B dollars of investment and open many new economic opportunities for the City of Fall River.”  

“I am extremely pleased to see that the parcels of land along the Route 79 and Davol Street corridor are out for bid and one step further in the development process” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassDOT, and our local elected officials, the city of Fall River is facing an incredible opportunity to witness economic growth, vibrancy, and success along its historic and scenic waterfront. This project will not only generate mixed-use development, but it will also make Fall River an even better place to live or visit.”  

“Today marks another important milestone in Fall River’s 25-year effort to realize the full development potential of its waterfront. The issuance of the Route 79 Invitation to Bid brings our community one step closer to a transformational mixed-use development that will positively impact Fall River and the surrounding region,” said State Representative Carole Fiola. “The project is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in private-sector investment and create a vibrant waterfront destination featuring new housing, restaurants, cafés, retail establishments, and other commercial uses. We extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and the many past and present state and local officials whose collective leadership and persistence have helped move this historic redevelopment opportunity closer to fruition.” 

The redevelopment opportunity builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investments to reconnect Fall River with its waterfront, improve transportation infrastructure and expand housing production across Massachusetts. The site is expected to support a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that complements the city’s downtown and new commuter rail service. 

The Invitation to Bid seeks proposals for the redevelopment of the 20-acre site into a vibrant mixed-use district. Developers will have the opportunity to transform former highway land into new housing, commercial space and public amenities while taking advantage of direct access to commuter rail service and the Taunton River waterfront. 

The site represents one of New England’s largest waterfront redevelopment opportunities directly adjacent to commuter rail. Interested developers are invited to submit proposals through October 21, 2026.