Merced - Fresno

Due to the large scope of the project; the largest public infrastructure project in the nation; the environmental review is being conducted in two parts: at the statewide level followed by a more specific project-level review of each of the nine sections of the system. Each project section is moving through this process at a different pace.

The Merced to Fresno section of the 800-mile system is 60 miles long. It parallels Highway 99 through the northern stretch of the San Joaquin Valley. The station will be in the city of Merced, where it will connect with the Merced to Sacramento section, and Fresno, where it will connect with the Fresno to Bakersfield section.

The high-speed train project is expected to create 16,500 construction-related jobs in this region over the life of construction. Once operating, projections estimate 5,300 boardings daily in Merced and 4,500 in Fresno, with travel time between Merced and Fresno estimated at 21 minutes. CO2 emission savings are estimated at 42 lbs. per trip.