MassDOT issues update on work taking place on Route 79/Davol Street and its impact on drivers/pedestrians

An update has been issued concerning work taking place on the Route 79 project and its impact on drivers.

MassDOT is scheduled to begin temporarily shifting traffic to accommodate vital construction work near the Senator Thomas Norton City Pier (600 Davol Street, Fall River). To accommodate this work, both lanes of traffic on Route 79/Davol Street southbound, in the vicinity of the City Pier, will be shifted to the left before commuters will revert to Route 79/Davol Street southbound to continue their journey.

Vehicles will be directed to use the shifted lanes to go around the work area of Route 79/Davol Street. MassDOT requests that pedestrians utilize the detour signage and cross Route 79 at the designated temporary crosswalks. Signs will be posted 48 hours in advance.

Construction work hours will take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. beginning September 15th. Pedestrian detours will be in place 24 hours a day.

During this construction phase, Davol Street will remain open to vehicular traffic.

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.