FRESNO (KMJ) — Traffic is once again able to cross the rail line running under Tuolumne Street, with the re-opening of the bridge linking Downtown Fresno’s H Street to F Street.
Traffic had been diverted away from the area following the crossing’s closure in January 2016 (click here to read more). It was then destroyed and built up again, with enough clearance to allow the future high speed rail trains to pass underneath. Crews used 42 giant girders to complete the project (click here to read more).
“This is a momentous day for us. This is the completion of the first structure in the entire high speed rail system in California,” explains Vice Chair of the California High Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors Tom Richards.
“Not only does that mean in California but in the United States of America and North America in total because there is no other high speed rail train system being constructed in our country or North America.”
Richards says the new structure supports the city-wide revitalization efforts of current Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, and previous Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
“This city does not begin on this side of the railroad tracks. Never has, never should have, and never should be considered that way. This bridge helps open up Chinatown and west Fresno….we are one city, one economy, and we all have to come along together.”
The positive sentiments were echoed by Mayor Lee Brand.
“To the critics of the high speed rail, which at one time included me, the high speed rail is going to invest $500 million in the City of Fresno. It’s a tremendous impact on our city.”
Brand also thanked residents for their resilience and patience while construction continues.
“But down the road there’s going to be a huge payout for the City of Fresno.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
