Caltrans announces closure of Ashlan Avenue

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- In addition to existing construction near Clinton Avenue, there will also be closures on Ashlan Avenue.

Tom Hill is the owner of Blue Fin Billiards on the corner of Ashlan and Highway 99. In the past year, he's watched as high-speed rail construction slowly overtake the serenity that once surrounded his business.

The 99 realignment project that began on Clinton Avenue has now reached Ashlan too. On Friday Caltrans announced a three-day closure of Ashlan Avenue -- extending from Marty to Golden State Boulevard.

Crews will be working on a new railroad overpass during that time.

Caltrans spokesperson, Sam Yniquez said, "In order to minimize impact to traffic, we built half of the bridge and then we're gonna demolish one side it and then we will build the new bridge and then demolish the other side of the bridge."

Caltrans says they constructed the new overpass in a way that it takes the least assembly time possible -- hoping to provide less inconvenience to drivers.

Hill said, "Friday and Saturday nights are the nights we depend on for most of our business, which will be very slow."

He's hoping Caltrans will be able to stick to their three-day plan and reopen the road by 5 am on Monday.