Veterans Boulevard to partially open in Northwest Fresno between Bullard and Golden State

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After about a year of construction in northwest Fresno, progress can be seen for a large infrastructure project that Public Works Director Scott Mozier says is decades in the making.

The new Veterans Boulevard overpass will lead to faster commute times - avoiding delays from freight trains.

The city says it will improve safety and promote active transportation with new trails and bike lanes.

It's an improvement Mozier says neighbors will be excited for.

"Our community has been used to trains stopping traffic, delays trying to get kids to school and get off to work," he said.

In the future, the project will connect communities on either side of Highway 99, and ease traffic congestion on Shaw and Herndon Avenues.

But first, this bridge over the railroad needs to open. It was expected to happen on Monday but will take a bit longer due to weather.

"We are resetting that to what should be Wednesday," Mozier said.

Soon enough, the stop signs will be uncovered, and the proper stripes will be marked on Golden State Boulevard. People will get to cruise on the overpass, and Carnegie Avenue will be permanently closed.

Mozier says nearby businesses and neighborhoods are not only looking forward to the partial opening but all of it.

"What the community has really expressed excitement about is what's coming next Fall when the freeway interchange opens," he said.

The full opening of Veterans Boulevard is set for November 2023.