Cesar Chavez Underpass

COMPLETED: The Cesar Chavez Underpass located in downtown Fresno was completed in March 2026, and will take traffic under high-speed rail and freight tracks.
  • Construction Status: Completed
  • Fresno, California
  • Central Region
  • Phase 1
  • Fresno to Bakersfield
  • Construction Package 1
  • Underpass
  • Location: On Cesar Chavez Boulevard between G and H streets in downtown Fresno.
Cesar Chavez underpass which was completed in March 2026.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced on March 13, 2026, the completion of the Cesar Chavez Boulevard underpass grade separation project. Located less than a mile from the future Fresno Station site, the underpass now connects downtown to southwest Fresno and Chinatown safely while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a historically disadvantaged and polluted area.

The Cesar Chavez Boulevard underpass, located between F and H streets, is designed for two-lane traffic, bike lanes, and protected walkways in both directions. The grade separation spans more than 1,000 feet long and 90 feet wide and will take traffic more than 15 feet below the Union Pacific Railroad and future high-speed rail tracks.

In Fresno County, grade separations, such as the Cesar Chavez Boulevard underpass, are estimated to reduce accidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage, resulting in a total public benefit of approximately $3.3 billion over 30 years.

Feet Long

Feet Wide

Cesar Chavez underpass which was completed in March 2026.
Cesar Chavez underpass which was completed in March 2026.
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)
Ventura Street Underpass (drone view)

Updates Per Project

Cesar Chavez Underpass (drone view)

May 21, 2025

At the Cesar Chavez Underpass (formerly known as the Ventura Street Underpass), crews continue to work on the construction of the Cesar Chavez Boulevard and H Street intersection by installing the streetlight infrastructure for the underpass. Shoring and pile drilling is currently in progress to allow for the completion of the Union Pacific bridge and high-speed rail bridge, which will take trains over the underpass. When complete, the underpass will serve as a grade separation and will eliminate the previous Union Pacific at-grade railroad crossing, allowing traffic to travel underneath the existing railroad and future high-speed rail tracks.