VTA Considering BART Silicon Valley Phase II Contract Changes

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) Oversight Committee has recommended selecting a new tunnel contractor in an effort to control costs. VTA reported that is has received proposals from the contractor that are double the project budget. The recommendation goes to the VTA Board of Directors for approval at a special meeting on June 27.

“VTA is committed to delivering BART Silicon Valley Phase II in a way that is both transformative and financially responsible,” said Tom Maguire, VTA Chief Megaprojects Delivery Officer. “This approach ensures we get the best value for taxpayers while securing a sustainable future for the project.”

VTA staff anticipate that the overall timeline will remain on track. Kiewit Shea Traylor (KST) will complete ongoing early work, including tunnel portal construction, concurrently while the contract for major construction of the tunnel shifts to a new structure aligned with VTA’s budget.

BSVII is a transformational investment that will extend BART service into downtown San Jose and Santa Clara, strengthening Bay Area connectivity and expanding access to frequent, reliable rail service for thousands of residents.

Kiewit Shea Traylor was awarded a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract in May 2022 and has been working on Stage 1 activities, including investigation of innovations, engineering and design, open book cost estimates, and the work schedule. Stage 2 would involve major construction, including tunnel boring.

BSVII Project is a six-mile, four-station extension that will bring BART service from Berryessa/North San José through downtown San José to the City of Santa Clara, includes three stations with underground platforms (28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San José, and Diridon), one ground-level station (Santa Clara), a train maintenance and storage facility at Newhall Yard, and additional facilities. Five miles of the six-mile alignment is planned to be constructed in a large diameter single-bore tunnel, with the remaining one mile at-grade rail.