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PHOTO RELEASE: High-Speed Rail Completes Central Avenue Grade Separation Project in Fresno County

May 23, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:The Central Avenue Grade Separation in Fresno County is now open to traffic. The overcrossing spans 432 feet long and more than 42 feet wide. The structure will carry traffic over the high-speed rail and BNSF tracks, improving safety in the area for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. To date, 54 structures have been completed and 30 are currently underway.
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) today announced the completion of another high-speed rail grade separation in Fresno County. Central Avenue is now open to traffic and is the fourth high-speed rail structure to be completed this year.

Construction began in 2023 at the Central Avenue Grade Separation, which was built by contractor Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons (TPZP). Located in south Fresno between Maple and Cedar avenues, the overpass eliminated the at-grade railroad crossing and will now take traffic and pedestrians over the BNSF railroad and future high-speed rail tracks.

Photo of bridge on Central Avenue where traffic will flow above HSR and Union Pacific tracks.
Photo of empty bridge on Central Avenue where traffic will flow.

Open above images for larger versions.

The Central Avenue Grade Separation spans 432 feet long, more than 42 feet wide, and is designed for two-lane traffic and pedestrian access. The overcrossing is comprised of 20 pre-cast concrete girders, 3,700 cubic yards of concrete, and 820,000 pounds of reinforced steel.

Graphic showing a bridge over high-speed rail tracks. For a more detailed description of this image please email info@hsr.ca.gov and please reference the news release headline: High-Speed Rail Completes Central Avenue Grade Separation Project in Fresno County.

Open above image for larger version.

This structure, over 30 years, is estimated to provide approximately $23 million in community benefits due to:

  • Avoided crashes
  • Avoided fatalities/serious injuries
  • Avoided property damages
  • Emergency vehicles no longer halted in crossings
Headshot of Central Valley Regional Director Garth Fernandez in front of Authority's Fresno office front doors.

“Central Avenue is one of several high-speed rail structures we are committed to complete this year. We continue to make progress across the Central Valley thanks to our collaboration with the building trades and the skilled labor force dispatched on site each day.”

Garth Fernandez, Authority Central Valley Regional Director
Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez official headshot

“The new grade separation at Central Avenue is more than just a bridge, it’s a symbol of the progress we’re making to modernize our region while creating jobs for local residents. Investments like this not only improve safety and connectivity for our neighborhoods, but also provide steady, good-paying jobs that help families thrive. I want to thank the California High-Speed Rail Authority for their continued investment in Fresno County and their commitment to building a stronger, safer Central Valley.”

Luis Chavez, Fresno County Supervisor
Earlier this year, the Authority also announced the completion of the Fargo Avenue and Whitley Avenue grade separations in Kings County.

Construction progresses every day on the California high-speed rail project. There are currently 171 miles under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 60 miles of guideway is completed and of the 93 structures needed, 54 are complete and 30 are currently under construction between Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.

Since the start of high-speed rail construction, the project has created more than 15,000 good paying construction jobs for residents, a majority going to residents of the Central Valley.

Nearly 1,600 workers are dispatched to a high-speed rail construction site daily.

Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov.

Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.comExternal Link.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.app.box.com/s/vyvjv9hckwl1dk603ju15u07fdfir2q8External Link.

Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

 

Build More, Faster

High-speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, FasterExternal Link agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state. Discover more: Build.ca.govExternal Link

 

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