Santa Clara VTA seeks change in tunnel contractors for BART extension project

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) leadership this week will recommend to its board that the authority exit its contract with Kiewit Shea Traylor (KST) and find a new contractor to perform tunneling and track work for the $12.7 billion Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) extension through downtown San Jose, California.

VTA, which is overseeing the project, wants to find a new contractor for the tunnel project because the current contractor has been unable to meet budget expectations, agency officials said in a press release.

"VTA staff have identified approximately $400 million in potential cost savings through a comprehensive review of the project," said VTA Chair Sergio Lopez. "By taking a holistic approach, the team pinpointed opportunities to refine the design, streamline construction methods and optimize project delivery."

Through confidential discussions, multiple nationally recognized tunneling contractors have affirmed an interest in partnering with VTA to deliver the work, VTA officials said.

The off-ramping decision and new procurement may extend the project's timeline, agency staff acknowledged. KST, a joint venture, will complete the early BART to Silicon Valley construction activities that the company initiated, which includes building the portal for the future tunnel work, they said.