Fresno, September 30, 2025

News Summary

Shaw Avenue in Fresno will experience nightly closures as part of a construction project for the California High-Speed Rail. The closure, affecting both directions between Blythe and Cornelia, begins at 9 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. until October 3. Local traffic is expected to be impacted significantly, with detour routes provided to ease travel disruptions. This construction comes amid recent business closures in the area, further affecting the local economy.

Fresno Announces Nightly Shaw Avenue Closures for High-Speed Rail Construction

Fresno, CA – Shaw Avenue will be fully closed in both directions between Blythe and Cornelia starting Monday night, lasting nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until October 3rd. This closure is part of a major construction project by the California High-Speed Rail Authority, aimed at developing the high-speed rail system in California.

The construction project will significantly impact evening and early-morning traffic, prompting local authorities to recommend drivers seek alternate routes during the closure hours. A comprehensive breakdown of detours and alternate routes has been made available for drivers to ensure a smoother travel experience during these disruptions.

Background on Recent Business Closures in Fresno

Fresno has seen a considerable number of business closures, especially during the summer of 2025. Several establishments around the area, particularly those near Shaw Avenue, have shut their doors, impacting both the local economy and the community.

A local bagel shop, NY Bagelry located at Shaw and Marks avenues, closed its premises due to the expiration of its lease but continues to operate at three other locations. Similarly, Uncle Harry’s, another well-known eatery in the area, also closed its Shaw Avenue location. KuniSama, a Japanese restaurant located at Herndon and Willow avenues, closed without providing public notice or comments from its owners.

Among other notable closures, Round Table Pizza near Shaw and West avenues confirmed it has shut down permanently, although no specific reasons were provided for its closure. George’s Shish Kebab in downtown Fresno, which had been a staple for 43 years, also ceased operations due to the owner’s health concerns.

Two KFC locations in Fresno have closed, one near First Street and Bullard Avenue and the other near Dakota and West avenues, with the reasons behind their closures unspecified. Additionally, Straw Hat Pizza, located at 80 W. Shaw Avenue, closed its doors recently, although plans are underway for a new restaurant called Dosan A Social Eatery to take its place.

Other closures include the Arby’s at Ashlan and Cedar avenues, which has left only one Arby’s location operational in Fresno. Rite Aid has completely exited the Fresno area, closing all its locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A vintage boutique, which was part of Neighborhood Thrift, has also shut down its operations, although two other stores from the brand remain open.

A biking store, Sunnyside Bicycles, which began operations in 2010, has merged with another location, effectively closing its individual store. Mitsui Buffet in Clovis also closed recently, with signs indicating a temporary closure for remodeling; however, health permit issues have been raised. Meanwhile, a famed roadside hamburger and ice cream stand in Coarsegold has also closed, citing lease disputes, although they plan to transition into a food truck model.

Fresno Fire Department Response

On top of the road construction impacts and business closures, the Fresno Fire Department recently responded to a commercial vehicle fire involving a garbage truck on Shaw Avenue. The incident occurred when the garbage truck driver noticed flames in the load, leading to safe disposal of the garbage onto Shaw Avenue.

Piles of trash and clean-up crews were visible at the scene, resulting in blocked lanes and further complications for traffic in the area, especially as the high-speed rail construction work continues.

Conclusion

With the Shaw Avenue closures starting Monday night and lasting through October 3rd, residents and drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor traffic updates as construction progresses. The closures come amid a wave of local business shutdowns that have affected the atmosphere and economy of Fresno.

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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

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