Fresno, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Starting Monday, Fresno will implement nightly road closures on Shaw Avenue to facilitate construction for the California High-Speed Rail project. The complete closure will take place between Blythe and Cornelia avenues from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until October 3rd. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes, as detours will be established to alleviate congestion during this period. This construction is part of ongoing efforts to improve transit and address the changing business landscape in the city.
Fresno will experience nightly road closures on Shaw Avenue starting Monday, as construction for the California High-Speed Rail progresses. The complete closure will occur between Blythe Avenue and Cornelia Avenue from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, and this situation will remain in effect until October 3rd.
The closures are necessary to facilitate construction activities related to the ongoing high-speed rail project aimed at enhancing inter-city transit in California. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize alternate routes, as there will be detours established to minimize congestion. A detailed breakdown of these detours will be made available for motorists.
Fresno has been grappling with several business closures recently, particularly during the summer of 2025. Notably, a local favorite, NY Bagelry, had to shut its location at the intersection of Shaw and Marks avenues due to lease expiration; however, it continues to operate from three other sites in the area. The Japanese restaurant, KuniSama, also closed unexpectedly at Herndon and Willow avenues without any public statement from the owners.
Another significant closure was Round Table Pizza situated near Shaw and West avenues, which confirmed its permanent closure but did not provide specific reasons for its decision. Additionally, the well-known George’s Shish Kebab in downtown Fresno closed its doors after 43 successful years, which was attributed to health concerns of its owner.
The fast-food chain KFC also faced challenges, with two locations permanently shutting down, one at First Street and Bullard Avenue, and the other at Dakota and West avenues. The reasons behind these closures remain unspecified. In another instance, Straw Hat Pizza located at 80 W. Shaw Ave. has recently closed, with plans for a new restaurant named Dosan A Social Eatery to take its place.
Fast-food options in Fresno have been dwindling, as evidenced by the closure of Arby’s at Ashlan and Cedar avenues, which now leaves only one location of the chain operational in the city. Furthermore, all Rite Aid locations in Fresno have ceased operations following the chain’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The local business landscape also witnessed the closing of a vintage boutique selling goods on behalf of Neighborhood Thrift. Despite this setback, two other stores associated with the boutique remain operational. A biking store, which had been operating as Sunnyside Bicycles since 2010, has merged its operations with another location, leading to its closure. Meanwhile, Mitsui Buffet in Clovis may have shut down permanently after announcing a temporary closure for remodeling, although health permit issues have raised concerns regarding its future.
In related news, a historical roadside hamburger and ice cream joint in Coarsegold announced its closure due to lease disputes, although it intends to continue operating a food truck service. On a different note, the Fresno Fire Department had to respond to a commercial vehicle fire involving a garbage truck on Shaw Avenue, causing visibility issues as piles of trash were disposed of on the roadway. This incident temporarily blocked lanes and required clean-up crews to address the debris from the scene.
As construction progresses on Shaw Avenue, the ongoing transformation in Fresno’s business scene reflects broader trends in retail and service closure across the city, emphasizing the need for adaptability among both consumers and business owners.
FAQ
What are the dates for the Shaw Avenue closures?
The closures will start on Monday night and are scheduled to last every night from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. through October 3rd.
Why is Shaw Avenue being closed?
The closures are part of construction work undertaken by the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
Will there be detours during the closure?
Yes, there will be detours in place, and drivers are advised to use alternative routes. A full breakdown of detours will be available for drivers.
Closure Summary
| Closure Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Monday night |
| Closure Duration | 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. nightly |
| End Date | October 3rd |
| Location | Shaw Avenue between Blythe and Cornelia |
| Reason | Construction for California High-Speed Rail |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC30: High-Speed Rail Construction Closure
- Fresno Bee: Restaurant Updates
- KMPH: Lane Closures on Shaw Avenue
- The Business Journal: Restaurant Closures in Fresno
- Your Central Valley: Highway Closures
- Wikipedia: Fresno, California
- Google Search: High-Speed Rail California
- Google Scholar: California High-Speed Rail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fresno
- Google News: Fresno Business Closures
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
