The California High Speed Rail Authority announced it has completed the Cesar Chavez Boulevard underpass grade separation project.
The project, less than a mile from the future Fresno Station site, now connects downtown Fresno to southwest Fresno and Chinatown, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an historically disadvantaged and polluted area.
“Completing this grade separation is a major milestone that improves pedestrian and vehicular safety within the city of Fresno, while keeping us on track for the next phase of construction. With construction of the remaining guideway — or riding surface — progressing, we’re moving closer to laying high-speed rail track this year,” Ed Fenn, Chief of Construction for the Authority said.
Located between F and H streets, the underpass is designed for two-lane traffic, bike lanes, and protected walkways going in both directions. The grade separation spans more than 1,000 feet, is 90 feet wide and will take traffic more than 15 feet below the Union Pacific Railroad and future high-speed rail tracks. In Fresno County, grade separations are thought to reduce accidents, fatalities, injuries and property damages due to accidents. Officials estimate they provide a total public benefit of approximately $3.3 billion over 30 years.
“The completion of the Cesar Chavez Boulevard underpass restores a vital connection between Southwest Fresno and downtown along one of Fresno’s major east-west arterial roads, improving traffic flow and accessibility to local businesses. This project, among several others completed, underscores the Authority’s continued progress and transformative investment in our community,” Fresno City Council Vice President Miguel Arias said.
The grade separation project is the first high-speed rail structure to be completed in 2026. Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, officials said, with design and construction stretching from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 80 miles of guideway are complete, along with nearly 60 fully completed structures and more than 30 structures underway.