Traffic patterns on the Route 79-Davol Street project in Fall River to change including use of new bridge

To facilitate utility installations and related work, MassDOT will shift traffic patterns on the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project, anticipated to begin on or about November 15, 2024.

The newly constructed Route 79 Northbound bridge will be opened to traffic and Local Davol Street Northbound, between Route 79 Northbound and Turner Street, will be closed to through traffic. A detour will be implemented to direct traffic from Route 79 Northbound to Turner Street, President Avenue, and to the gas station located on Davol Street Northbound. This detour will be in effect for approximately 6 months. 

Through traffic will no longer be able to use Davol Street Northbound, between Route 79 Northbound and Turner Street. Detour routes will be clearly signed and marked.

When traveling north on Route 79 (view a map here):

• For access to Turner Street, continue on Route 79 Northbound over the newly constructed 79 Northbound Bridge. In approximately 1,000 feet, turn right onto Turner Street.
• For access to Local Davol Street Northbound, toward President Avenue, continue on Route 79 Northbound over the newly constructed 79 Northbound Bridge. Route 79 Northbound will merge with Local Davol Street Northbound in approximately 1/3 mile.
• For access to the gas station located at 431 Davol Street Northbound, continue on Route 79 Northbound over the newly constructed 79 Northbound Bridge. Route 79 Northbound will merge with Local Davol Street Northbound in approximately 1/3 mile. Continue an additional 1/3 mile to President Avenue, then turn left onto President Avenue. In approximately 60 feet, turn left onto Local Davol Street Southbound and continue for approximately 1/2 mile to the Gas Station Driveway Extension, located under the newly constructed Davol Street Northbound Bridge. Turn left onto the Gas Station Driveway Extension.

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

During this construction phase, traffic in impacted areas will remain open. Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted.  

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.