American Avenue Grade Separation

  • Construction Status: Completed
  • Fresno, California
  • Central Region
  • Phase 1
  • Fresno to Bakersfield
  • Construction Package 1
  • Grade Separation
  • Location: At American Avenue, between Cedar and Maple avenues in Fresno County. The southernmost point of Construction Package 1.
American Avenue Grade Separation (drone view)

On November 16, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced the opening of the American Avenue overpass in Fresno County. American Avenue is one of 11 grade separations in Fresno County completed for future high-speed rail construction, and is the fifth high-speed rail structure to open in the Central Valley in the last three months.

The completed overpass is located on American Avenue between Maple and Cedar avenues in Fresno County. The structure spans more than 353 feet long, 43 feet wide and reaches 40 feet at its highest point. The overpass allows traffic to cross over the future high-speed rail system and existing BNSF rail line. The completion of this overpass removed an existing railroad track crossing, allowing for unrestricted travel without dangerous cross traffic or air quality impacts due to idling vehicles.

The announcement follows the recent openings of the Avenue 10, Avenue 15 and Avenue 7 overpasses in Madera County.

Feet Long

Feet Wide

Feet at the highest point

American Avenue Grade Separation (drone view)
American Avenue Grade Separation (drone view)
American Avenue Grade Separation (drone view)
American Avenue Grade Separation (drone view)

Updates Per Project

September 29, 2020

A Fresno County structure is nearly complete. The American Avenue Grade Separation is paved and striped and ready to take traffic over the BNSF and future high-speed rail lines. The structure will also open by fall.

March 27, 2019

Crews at American Avenue, the southern end of Construction Package 1, have begun constructing the diaphragms to stabilize the bridge superstructure. Once the diaphragms have been completed the next step will be to install steel deck panels to create a foundation for the crossing’s deck.

November 24, 2018

At the southern end of Construction Package 1, girders have been set across the BNSF freight line to continue construction of the American Avenue overcrossing. Design-builder Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons and the Authority are coordinating with BNSF on progressing design that will allow further construction to proceed.