VTA shares BART Silicon Valley extension project updates

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has shared several project milestones in the ongoing Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley (BSVII) Phase II extension project, which calls for construction of 6 miles of track and four new stations to connect Berryessa through downtown San Jose and into Santa Clara, California.

To date, crews have completed construction of structure walls, most of the structural support systems and one-third of the concrete ramp. Additionally, about three-quarters of the necessary excavation work is completed, VTA officials said in a project update. Design of the 5-mile underground tunnel, a critical component of the project, is also complete.

Additionally, the VTA board has approved changing the construction contract with Kiewit Shea Traylor (KST) to a target price/incentive-based model. The approach enhances cost transparency through open-book accounting, strengthens risk management and aligns incentives to support efficient, accountable project delivery, VTA officials said. As part of the phased delivery strategy, the board has authorized $400 million for early work. Future project funding will require board approval.

Crews are now undertaking pre-construction work at the future 28th Street/Little Portugal BART Station site, including demolition preparation and hazmat removal assessments. Soil testing will begin later this month at the site of the future Diridon BART Station. Project staff are also working to develop an updated BSVII project delivery schedule and cost figures following the significant cost-savings measures instituted over the last 18 months, VTA officials said.