California High-Speed Rail Completes Tulare Street Grade Separation in Fresno

The California High-Speed Rail Authority recently celebrated the completion of the Tulare Street Underpass and Grade Separation Project in downtown Fresno, reconnecting Chinatown with the city center and improving local traffic flow, safety, and connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project, more than a thousand feet long and located between G and H streets, places a two-lane roadway over 20 feet below the Union Pacific and future high-speed rail tracks, addressing long-standing congestion issues and environmental concerns. Though originally expected to take about two years, the project faced nearly eight years of delays, negatively impacting Chinatown businesses, some of which experienced significant sales drops during the closure. Local leaders, including Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilman Miguel Arias, emphasize the project’s role in revitalizing the area and supporting a world-class, clean transportation future. The High-Speed Rail Authority continues construction on related grade separations and rail infrastructure, with 171 miles under design and construction between Merced and Bakersfield and ongoing efforts to support regional economic growth and job creation. Despite past challenges and political tensions, the project is seen as a major investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure and economic vitality.