The California High-Speed Rail Authority, joined by local and state leaders, celebrated the groundbreaking of the McKinley Avenue and Golden State Boulevard Grade Separation in Fresno.

The project, located between Highway 99 and West Avenue, will transform the area with a four-lane roadway spanning 402 feet long and more than 78 feet wide. Once complete, the bridge will feature pedestrian access and bike lanes, enhancing safety for residents. Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons is the builder.

“It’s great to see progress on the nation’s first high-speed rail system during such a pivotal time in Fresno’s history,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “We continue to see commitment, belief, and investments in our city from our partners at the state level, and today’s groundbreaking supports the larger goal of a transformative rail system and station in our city’s core — all while ensuring improved pedestrian safety and traffic flow around the tracks.”

The Authority is extending the 119 miles of high-speed rail currently under construction to 171 miles, creating an electrified system connecting Merced and Bakersfield. Full environmental clearance also has been secured for 463 miles of the planned rail program, which will eventually link the Bay Area to downtown Los Angeles.

With more than 30 active construction sites and nearly 50 completed structures in the Central Valley, the project has generated more than 14,000 construction jobs — the majority of which have gone to local residents. To date, 875 certified small businesses have participated in the project, including 229 based in the Central Valley.