News Summary
Fresno is experiencing nightly closures on Shaw Avenue due to the California High-Speed Rail project, affecting traffic from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until October. These disruptions come amidst a trend of local business closures in the area, raising concerns for residents and commuters. Detours will be provided to ease transit during the construction period, while recent business shutdowns contribute to the changing landscape in Fresno. The community is urged to stay updated on travel routes and local establishments amidst these challenges.
Fresno is set to experience nightly closures on Shaw Avenue as construction for the California High-Speed Rail project begins. Starting Monday night, Shaw Avenue will be fully closed in both directions between Blythe and Cornelia from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the closures are scheduled to last until October 3rd.
This initiative is part of ongoing construction efforts by the California High-Speed Rail Authority, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the region. To minimize inconvenience, detours will be established, and drivers are strongly advised to utilize alternate routes during these hours. A detailed breakdown of the detours and alternate routes will be available for drivers to reference.
The recent closures come amid a broader trend in Fresno, where numerous local businesses have shuttered over the past months. In the summer of 2025, Fresno witnessed a wave of store and restaurant closures, including well-known establishments in the area. For instance, Uncle Harry’s, a local NY Bagelry, has closed its location at Shaw and Marks avenues due to a lease expiration but continues to operate in three other sites. KuniSama, a Japanese restaurant at Herndon and Willow avenues, also closed its doors without any public announcement from its owners.
Additionally, Round Table Pizza, located near Shaw and West avenues, has confirmed its closure as permanent, although no specific reasons were provided. George’s Shish Kebab, known for its presence downtown for 43 years, has also closed, with the owner citing health concerns as a contributing factor. Two KFC locations have shut permanently—one near First Street and Bullard Avenue and another at Dakota and West avenues—without further information on the reasons behind these closures.
Moreover, Straw Hat Pizza at 80 W. Shaw Ave. recently closed, but plans are in place for a new restaurant, Dosan A Social Eatery, to take its place. The closure of the Arby’s at Ashlan and Cedar avenues has reduced the number of fast-food chain locations in Fresno to just one. The closure of all Rite Aid locations in Fresno has also been noted, following the chain’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Other notable closure events include a vintage boutique affiliated with Neighborhood Thrift, which has also shut down one of its stores while retaining two others. A biking store that opened in 2010 as Sunnyside Bicycles has merged operations with another location, indicating a trend of consolidation in the local business landscape.
In Clovis, the Mitsui Buffet’s closure has caused uncertainty, as it has put up a sign indicating a temporary closure for remodeling, although health permit issues have been publicly noted. Furthermore, in Coarsegold, a historic roadside hamburger and ice cream stand has closed due to lease disputes, but it intends to maintain business through a food truck operation.
Compounding traffic challenges on Shaw Avenue, Fresno Fire Department recently responded to a commercial vehicle fire involving a garbage truck in the area. The driver of the truck noticed flames in the load and managed to dispose of the garbage onto Shaw Avenue safely. This incident left piles of trash and a clean-up crew on the scene, resulting in blocked lanes and further complicating access on Shaw Avenue amid the existing construction closures.
As Fresno navigates both the ongoing construction and the impact of business closures on the local economy, residents and commuters must remain vigilant and informed about the changes affecting their travel routes and local establishments.
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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
