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PHOTO RELEASE: High-Speed Rail’s Completed Tulare Street Grade Separation Project Reconnects Fresno’s Chinatown and Downtown

July 31, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Tulare Street Underpass and Grade Separation project is complete and open to traffic in the city of Fresno. Located between downtown and Fresno’s Chinatown, the grade separation improves safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians—and is one of several high-speed rail investments already delivering real benefits to local communities by reconnecting neighborhoods that have been divided for decades, enhancing mobility and supporting long-term economic growth.

FRESNO, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), local and state leaders celebrated the completion of the Tulare Street Grade Separation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Fresno’s Historic Chinatown. Located near the future site of the nation’s first high-speed rail station, the grade separation reconnects Fresno’s historic Chinatown and downtown, while improving safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and unhealthy pollutants.

Please open the below images for larger versions.

Dignitaries in front of a red ribbon at Tulare Street in Fresno.
Dignitaries and Chinese lion dancers posing in front of Tulare Street in Fresno.
Headshot of Central Valley Regional Director Garth Fernandez in front of Authority's Fresno office front doors.

“Today marks a long-awaited opening of the Tulare Street Grade Separation, a project that will improve safety, mobility and connect the communities of Chinatown with downtown Fresno. The project is a result of years of planning, overcoming several unexpected challenges, healthy interagency partnerships and a steadfast commitment to delivering infrastructure that improves lives.”

– Garth Fernandez, Central Valley Regional Director

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer

“The opening of Tulare Street is a major step forward in connecting the long-forgotten Chinatown area to Downtown—improving access, supporting economic development and laying the groundwork for future high-speed rail connectivity.”

– Jerry Dyer, Fresno Mayor

The Tulare Street underpass and grade separation project, constructed by Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons, is located between G and H streets, between downtown and Fresno’s Chinatown. The grade separation now takes vehicular traffic more than 20 feet below the Union Pacific and future high-speed rail tracks. It serves as a two-lane roadway spanning more than 1,000 feet long and 60 feet wide, with pedestrian access and bike lanes for residents and bicyclists.

Photo of Miguel Arias, Fresno City Council Vice President

“The completion of the Tulare Street underpass marks a major milestone in our efforts to reconnect Fresno’s historic Chinatown and Downtown. This project represents the fulfillment of our promise to reconnect communities, support local businesses, and honor residents who have waited patiently through years of construction. Thank you for believing in our vision of a more connected and unified city.”

– Miguel Arias, Fresno City Council Vice President

Aerial view of Tulare Street Underpass in Fresno with Downtown Fresno in the background.

Recently in Fresno County, the Authority opened Belmont Avenue to traffic and pedestrians and completed the Central Avenue Grade Separation. The Authority also completed grade separation projects at Fargo and Whitley avenues in Kings County, and at Avenue 56 in Tulare County. Construction package 4, spanning 22 miles into Kern County, has reached a major milestone with civil work now complete.

High-Speed Rail Progress

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 55 fully completed structures; an additional 29 more structures are underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

Since construction began, the project has created more than 15,500 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

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.com.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.app.box.com/s/vyvjv9hckwl1dk603ju15u07fdfir2q8

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

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Build More, Faster

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

 

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