Bechtel Tapped to Provide Construction Management for BART Silicon Valley Extension
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
Photo Courtesy of Bechtel
Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation (Bechtel) on June 28 announced that the Santa Clara Valley Transportation (VTA) has selected the company to provide construction management services for the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II extension, which will connect North San Jose and Santa Clara residents with the agency’s transportation system.
The new rail line will be the largest single public infrastructure project ever constructed in Santa Clara County, and by 2040, is expected to carry nearly 55,000 passengers each weekday, according to the company. BART’s Phase II consists of a six-mile extension with four new stations and five-and-a-half miles of tunnel, linking San Jose area riders to the rest of the system. Bechtel has executed a 10-year contract to manage BART’s Phase II extension and begin overseeing construction later this year.
This latest contract, the company says, adds to Bechtel’s 125-year history in California, where it has had a presence since 1898. Bechtel, as part of a joint venture, led the design and construction of the original BART system, which went on to form the “backbone” of the Bay Area’s public transport infrastructure. Bechtel also oversaw the engineering and construction of Phase I of the Silicon Valley Line, which first welcomed passengers in 2020.
“This latest rail extension will provide a fast and convenient transit alternative for major commute corridors,” said Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation Senior Vice President, Kelvin Sims. “We’re proud to be partnering with VTA again to help deliver this significant project for the area.”
“We are pleased to have Bechtel, one of the original designers and builders of the first phase of the project, on board to construct the final extension for BART riders visiting, living, or working in San Jose,” said VTA Chief Megaprojects Officer Tom Maguire. “One-third of upcoming growth in the San Francisco Bay Area is expected to occur in and around San Jose and this extension further into the Silicon Valley will support that growth and continue to connect the region.”
“This is a great opportunity to continue the Bechtel, VTA and BART success story and add to our company’s legacy in California,” said Bechtel General Manager of California Infrastructure Zeyad Hakam. “We look forward to strengthening our relationships in the communities around the state as we begin work on this project.”
