Transportation officials assess Rt. 79

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) - Massachusetts transportation officials are getting a first-hand look at the Route 79 and Interstate 195 interchange ahead of a massive highway reconstruction project.

On Thursday afternoon, MassDOT officials were scheduled to hold a walking tour of the area, following by a public information session.

Construction is expected to begin early next year on a new Route 79 interchange.  The proposed project includes the removal of the existing two-level viaduct off Interstate 195 in Fall River.

The project is expected to cost between $170 and $180 million, and expected to last through the fall of 2016.

The MassDOT walking tour was scheduled to take place at 3 p.m.

The public information session is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Heritage State Park auditorium at Battleship Cove.