CHSRA completes first Tulare County grade separation

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) this week announced the completion of the Avenue 56 grade separation, the first completed high-speed rail structure in Tulare County and the 55th structure completed for the entire system.

The Avenue 56 overpass was one of multiple CHSRA projects impacted by atmospheric river and heavy rains that hit Tulare and Kings counties in March 2023, CHSRA officials said in a press release. The project was delayed while CHSRA worked with the community to prevent flooding and create an emergency access road.

The overpass is now open to motor vehicle traffic, carrying it over future high-speed rail tracks. Located south of Corcoran, the structure spans over 219 feet long and 35 feet wide. In addition to progress across the Central Valley, CHSRA also recently announced the completion of four grade separations at Fargo Avenue and Whitley Avenue in Kings County, at at Belmont Avenue and Central Avenue in Fresno County.

There are currently 171 miles of high-speed rail under design and construction, CHSRA officials said. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are completed, 55 structures have been completed and 29 structures are under construction in Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.