News Summary
Fresno residents will face full nightly closures of Shaw Avenue between Blythe and Cornelia starting Monday, lasting until October 3rd. These closures aim to support ongoing construction for the California High-Speed Rail project. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead with designated detours and alternative routes to minimize delays. Alongside, the city is witnessing several business closures across various sectors, indicating changes in the local economy amid construction activities. Residents should remain informed about traffic updates and local business developments to navigate the evolving landscape.
Fresno Expected to Experience Nightly Shaw Avenue Closures for High-Speed Rail Construction Until October 3rd
Fresno residents and commuters should prepare for full nightly closures of Shaw Avenue between Blythe and Cornelia starting Monday night, as construction work related to the California High-Speed Rail project advances. The closures are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. each evening and will last until 6 a.m. the following morning, continuing nightly through Friday, October 3rd.
The purpose of these closures is to facilitate ongoing construction activities by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. During this period, there will be designated detours and alternate routes in place to help drivers navigate around the affected area. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consult detailed detour maps to avoid delays and ensure safe travel.
Impact on Local Traffic and Detours
Motorists traveling along Shaw Avenue during the closure hours will need to follow specific detours, which have been outlined by authorities. These alternate routes are designed to bypass the construction zone efficiently. Drivers are encouraged to stay updated on current traffic conditions and consider using nearby streets or alternative roads to reach their destinations.
Recent Store and Restaurant Closures in Fresno
Alongside the construction disruptions, Fresno has experienced a notable number of business closures across various sectors during the summer of 2025. Many establishments have shut their doors due to lease expirations, financial challenges, or other reasons.
One such closure includes the local NY Bagelry on Shaw and Marks avenues, which closed its storefront due to lease expiration but continues operations at three other locations. Similarly, KuniSama, a Japanese restaurant situated at Herndon and Willow avenues, closed without public comment from its owners. Round Table Pizza near Shaw and West avenues also confirmed its permanent closure, with no specific explanation provided.
Long-standing Business Closures and Changes
In downtown Fresno, George’s Shish Kebab, which had been in operation for 43 years, closed earlier this year, citing health concerns of the owner as the reason. Additionally, two KFC locations in the area—one near First Street and Bullard Avenue and another near Dakota and West avenues—closed permanently, although their closure reasons remain unspecified.
Fast-food chain Straw Hat Pizza located at 80 W. Shaw Avenue, along with its arcade, has recently shut down, but plans are underway to open a new restaurant called Dosan A Social Eatery at the same location.
Other Notable Business Closures
The Arby’s restaurant at Ashlan and Cedar avenues has closed, leaving only one remaining location of the chain in Fresno. All Rite Aid stores in the city also closed recently due to the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, impacting residents’ access to pharmacy services.
Other local closures include a vintage boutique selling goods from Neighborhood Thrift, which shut its physical stores, though the company’s two remaining locations remain open. Sunnyside Bicycles, a bike shop that opened in 2010, closed its location and merged operations with another store. Mitsui Buffet in Clovis closed potentially permanently, with health permit issues suspected to be a factor, despite a temporary sign indicating remodeling plans.
Additional Business and Food Service Changes
A historic roadside hamburger and ice cream stand in Coarsegold has closed following lease disputes, though the owners plan to operate a food truck to continue serving customers. Meanwhile, several local businesses face ongoing challenges, highlighting the shifting landscape of Fresno’s commercial scene.
Recent Emergency Response on Shaw Avenue
The Fresno Fire Department responded to an incident involving a garbage truck fire on Shaw Avenue. During the event, the driver noticed flames in the load and safely disposed of the garbage onto Shaw Avenue. Emergency crews arrived to manage the situation, resulting in blocked lanes and piles of trash at the scene. Clean-up efforts involved personnel clearing debris and ensuring safety for passing vehicles.
Summary
With nightly closures on Shaw Avenue anticipated until October 3rd, Fresno commuters should plan accordingly and follow detour instructions. Meanwhile, the city continues to see a number of business closures and changes across retail, dining, and service sectors, reflecting a dynamic local economy amid ongoing construction projects. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about both construction updates and local business developments to navigate and adapt to these changes effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starbucks Announces Major Store Closures Across Regions
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
