Massachusetts state and local officials held an event in Fall River on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the $115 million Route 79-Davol Street Corridor project.
Construction began in 2023 and transformed a mile-long, former elevated highway into a street-level urban boulevard designed to improve safety, mobility and access to the Taunton River waterfront and opened approximately 20 acres of land for future development.
The project added approximately two miles of sidewalks, more than two miles of shared-use paths, four cross-street connections between neighborhoods and the waterfront, and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. Work included upgraded traffic signals, landscaping, and stormwater infrastructure.
“The Route 79-Davol Street project is an example of how infrastructure investments are an investment in economic growth, improving quality of life and transforming communities,” Interim Secretary of Transportation Phillip Eng said. “We look forward to continuing our work with the city of Fall River to develop these parcels and bring new housing, jobs, and economic opportunity to the South Coast.”
The site is located next to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s new Fall River Depot commuter rail station.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will coordinate with the city and local stakeholders on the future of the waterfront property.