BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project Advances with $490.8M Contract Award

BART Silicon Valley phase II extension project advances with $490.8 Million CM contract award to Bechtel Infrastructure Corp.

Progress is being made in the efforts to expand the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) service into Silicon Valley as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has awarded a $490.8 million contract, for construction management services to Bechtel Infrastructure Corp. Early work has already begun as officials from VTA aim to kick off construction and tunneling activities for the $12.7 billion BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project this year.

The 6 mile extension is set to include four stations, with three featuring platforms. 5.5 miles of the extension are planned to be tunneled marking what VTA claims will be the first single-bore subway tunnel in the United States. Alongside this the project entails constructing a train maintenance and also storage site along with other related facilities.

To create space for tracks, platforms and necessary equipment within the tunnel VTA has procured a 54-foot diameter Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) from German manufacturer Herrenknecht November. The transportation agency intends to initiate TBM operations at the west portal near Santa Clara’s end of the extension and aims for a digging rate of 30-40 feet. Additionally; The $76 million TBM is slated for delivery next year. With round the clock tunneling expected to span three to four years.

The upcoming phase of the project will expand on $2.3B investment made in Phase 1 which was completed in 2020. Phase 1 introduced BART service, to Berryessa/North San Jose.

During a groundbreaking event Carolyn Gonot, VTAs manager and CEO emphasized the importance of creating effective and sustainable transit options to meet the demands of our growing communities.

Bechtel, serving as the construction manager for the BART Silicon Valley phase II extension will be responsible for overseeing four contract packages, systems, tunnel and track work. Construction of facilities such as the Newhall Yard maintenance facility, Santa Clara Station and parking garage. As well the construction of three underground stations. Additionally; in first stage of the project VTA had chosen a collaboration between Kiewit Infrastructure West, JF Shea Construction and Traylor Brothers for tunnel and track work.

BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project Completion Date

The commencement of passenger service is slated for 2037. VTA forecasts that by 2040 the Phase II extension will accommodate 54,600 passengers on weekdays.

In April VTA board approved a ten year cost plus fixed fee contract for construction management services with Bechtel.

Kelvin Sims, the vice president of Bechtel Infrastructure Corp. expressed excitement, about the BART Silicon Valley Extension highlighting its potential to offer a quick and also convenient commuting option for busy travel routes. According to VTA records Bechtel has lined 15 subcontractors for the project with 11 of them surprisingly being business enterprises. They aim to achieve a 12% goal for DBE participation in the contract.

The VTA is expecting over $6 billion in funding from the Federal Transit Administration to support the project. However, additional financial support will be sourced from regional and state channels. Officials are optimistic about finalizing a funding grant agreement with FTA by the end of this year.

The BART Silicon Valley Extension (BSV) initiative involves extending the BART system by 16 miles. With the addition of six stations in Santa Clara County. The project is divided into two phases. Phase I was completed in 2020 while Phase II is currently in its design and engineering phase;

Phase I

Expanded BART service into Santa Clara County from Alameda County with stops at Milpitas and Berryessa/North San José.

BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project:

Will further extend service from Berryessa Transit Center to stations, at Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San José, Diridon Station and Santa Clara Station. The entire project is expected to be finished by 2036.

Planners in the 1990s initially designed the BSV project to offer a solution to traffic on I-680 and I-880. And also to link San José with the surrounding San Francisco Bay area. It aims to ease traffic congestion reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote growth along the route. By 2040 BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension is projected to cater to 54,600 commuters in the Bay Area.

The proposed 16-mile extension will provide a dependable and convenient travel option. Offering an alternative to navigating through two of the Bay Area’s most crowded highway routes. Meanwhile; BART launched an Earthquake Safety Program aimed at enhancing sections of its system.