Fall River Completes Major Route 79 Infrastructure Project

State officials marked the end of construction on a boulevard that connects Fall River neighborhoods to the Taunton River.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern urban boulevard connecting a city grid to a wide riverfront inlet. — Massachusetts officials have completed the Route 79-Davol Street infrastructure project in Fall River, replacing an elevated highway with an urban boulevard to reconnect the city waterfront. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Massachusetts state officials recently celebrated the completion of the Route 79-Davol Street project in Fall River. The initiative replaced a mile-long elevated highway with an urban boulevard to improve access to the waterfront.

Why it matters

The project aimed to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while reconnecting city neighborhoods to the Taunton River. It serves as a catalyst for local revitalization by opening 20 acres of land for potential housing, businesses, and public spaces.

The $115 million infrastructure project replaced a mile-long elevated highway with a street-level boulevard. The development provides four new cross-street connections, over two miles of shared-use paths, and approximately two miles of sidewalks.

The details

The transformation allows for better integration between the city and the waterfront by providing four new cross-street connections. MassDOT has already released an invitation to bid for the development of the land formerly occupied by the highway.

Construction on the project began in 2023.
The project received the American Society of Highway Engineers New England Project of the Year Award in 2025.
The project received the AASHTO Quality of Life/Community Development Award in 2026.
State officials celebrated project completion on October 28, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project follows a pattern of urban renewal set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Quality of Life/Community Development Award. It reflects a shift in construction strategy prioritizing community connectivity over vehicle-only throughput.

Local residents can expect improved safety and easier access to the Taunton River waterfront through new pedestrian and cycling paths. Shoppers and business owners should monitor forthcoming development announcements for the newly available 20 acres of land.

The takeaway

Urban infrastructure projects that emphasize street-level boulevards over elevated highways can successfully reclaim land for community use. Local stakeholders should look for MassDOT bid updates to understand how the new acreage will eventually be utilized for business and housing.