Several changes coming as Route 79/Davol Street project in Fall River progresses

Several changes are coming for drivers and pedestrians as the Davol Street and Route 79 project in Fall River progresses.

During the week of October 23, 2023, MassDOT is scheduled to begin temporarily shifting traffic to accommodate vital construction work at the intersection of Davol Street southbound and Brownell Street (in the vicinity of Commonwealth Landing). To accommodate this work, both lanes of traffic on Route 79/Davol Street southbound in the vicinity of Brownell Street will be shifted to the left before commuters will revert to Route 79/Davol Street southbound to continue their journey.

In addition, for approximately 10 weeks, a temporary traffic setup at the intersection of Davol Street southbound and Brownell Street will be put into place. During this time, Brownell Street will be reduced to one lane from Monday at 7:00 a.m. to Friday at 5:00 p.m. Police details will be on-site to assist two-way alternating traffic on Brownell Street. Both lanes on Brownell Street will be open from Friday at 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 7:00 a.m.

Traffic pattern during lane closures on Monday from 7:00 a.m. to Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Traffic pattern Friday at 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 7:00 a.m.

Vehicles will be directed to use the shifted lanes to go around the work area of Route 79/Davol Street. In addition, vehicles will be directed to use one lane of traffic on Brownell Street. We respectfully request pedestrians utilize the detour signage and cross Route 79 at the designated temporary crosswalks. Signs will be posted 48 hours in advance.

Construction on Davol Street southbound will take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pedestrian detours will be in place 24 hours a day. The Brownell Street lane shift will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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.