MassDOT announces reconstruction of Route 79 Southern U-Turn Bridge; here is what to expect

MassDOT is scheduled to begin work in support of the reconstruction of the proposed Southern U-Turn Bridge on Route 79/Davol Street in Fall River.

A temporary Southern U-turn will be constructed to the north of the existing Southern U-turn. The proposed temporary U-turn will be activated on or about Wednesday, July 26. Construction work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Associated work with the reconstruction of Route 79 and Davol Street may necessitate the use of vehicle detours.

Detour Routes

Vehicles seeking to use cross-streets should utilize the following detours:

Southern U-Turn

Davol Street southbound to Davol Street northbound:
-Continue southbound to take the temporary southern U-turn.
-Take the left turn onto the temporary U-turn roadway and merge onto Davol Street northbound.
-Proceed to your destination.

Davol Street northbound to Davol Street southbound:
-Proceed north to President Ave.
-Take the left turn onto President Ave.
-Turn Left onto Davol Street southbound.
-Proceed to your destination.

Pedestrians should continue to use temporary crossings on Route 79/Davol North and Southbound. Additional signage and markings will be provided to ensure pedestrian safety during construction.

MassDOT requests pedestrians utilize the detour signage and cross Route 79 at the designated temporary crosswalks. Signs will be posted 48 hours in advance.

Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change, but we will do our best to keep you updated.

During this construction phase, Davol Street will remain open to vehicular traffic. Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted.

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.