Bechtel to oversee tunnel construction in $12.7 billion BART Silicon Valley extension

(UI) — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has awarded Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation a contract to manage construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II extension. VTA officials intend to commence construction and tunneling activities for the $12.7-billion BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project next year.

This project will connect North San Jose and Santa Clara residents to the Bay Area’s transportation system.

The six-mile extension, which includes four new stations and a five-and-a-half-mile tunnel, is the largest public infrastructure project ever in Santa Clara County. By 2040, it is expected to carry nearly 55,000 passengers each weekday. Bechtel’s 10-year contract involves overseeing the construction, which will start later this year.

"This rail extension will offer a fast and convenient transit option for major commute corridors," said Bechtel Senior Vice President Kelvin Sims. "We’re proud to partner with VTA on this significant project."

Tom Maguire, Chief Megaprojects Officer at VTA, added, "With one-third of upcoming growth in the San Francisco Bay Area expected around San Jose, this extension will support that growth and connect the region."

Bechtel’s history in California dates back to 1898. The company was part of the joint venture that designed and built the original BART system and also managed Phase I of the Silicon Valley Line, which opened in 2020.

"This is a great opportunity to continue the Bechtel, VTA, and BART success story," said Zeyad Hakam, Bechtel’s General Manager of California Infrastructure. "We look forward to strengthening our relationships in the communities as we begin work on this project."

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