CHSRA completes two high-speed rail separation projects

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has completed two separation projects as part of the third and fourth structures to be completed in 2025. 

Belmont Avenue Grade Separation  

Belmont Avenue Grade Separation in the city of Fresno, Calif., is now open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic and is the third structure to be completed this year. 

CHSRA notes work began on the Belmont Avenue Grade Separation in 2022 but remained open to traffic throughout construction. The four-span bridge will now take traffic and pedestrians over the Union Pacific Railroad and high-speed rail tracks safely. The bridge itself spans more than 611 feet long and 62 feet wide. 

“Safety is the highest priority for the authority while in construction and for our future operations,” said CHSRA Central Valley Regional Director Garth Fernandez. “The Belmont Avenue grade separation is yet another example of the authority’s investment in the community to enhance safety and connectivity for all modes of traffic, including bikes and pedestrians. We continue to make progress and are positioned to open several more grade separations, including Tulare Street, connecting downtown and Chinatown, in the next couple of months.” 

CHSRA notes grade separations like Belmont Avenue provide many benefits to the surrounding community, including reduced traffic congestion, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from idling vehicles, reduced noise from train horns and improved safety overall for traffic and pedestrians who no longer have to wait at the railroad crossing or walk across it on foot. 

Fresno City Council Vice President Miguel Arias added, “The opening of the Belmont Avenue grade separation marks another significant milestone for the authority and our community. I would sincerely like to thank the nearby residents, business owners and patrons for their patience during the construction period. While this may have caused some disruptions, I extend my deep appreciation to high-speed rail for delivering another high-quality project that will benefit the Tower District for future generations.” 

Central Avenue Grade Separation  

The agency has completed the high-speed rail grade separation in Fresno County, Calif., as Central Avenue is now open to traffic and is the fourth high-speed rail structure to be completed this year. 

According to the agency, 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. 

CHSRA notes 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. 

During the course of the next 30 years, the structure 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 

“Central Avenue is one of several high-speed rail structures we are committed to complete this year,” Fernandez said. “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.” 

Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez added, “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.” 

The authority notes 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 more than 30 are under construction between Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare. The authority has obtained full environmental clearance on 463 miles of the high-speed rail program from the Bay Area to downtown Los Angeles.