By rosebell
With the aim of ensuring that BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) is delivered on time and within budget, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has launched aggressive cost-saving measures.
According to the authority’s statement:”As part of its commitment to fiscal responsibility and project excellence, VTA has launched aggressive cost-saving initiatives that will reinforce its Full Funding Grant Agreement application with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).”
VTA’s concentration since previous autumn is on decreasing the project cost and currently is undertaking a cost analysis of the tunnel size.
VTA said:”This process is analysing tunnel size, configuration, and construction methods while preserving the original project scope, which includes a single-bore tunnel with four stations and a maintenance facility. By challenging traditional design assumptions and integrating cutting-edge innovations, VTA is focused on maximising efficiency without compromising quality or safety.”
In order to bringing together the FTA and key partner agencies for an independent assessment of the tunnel size cost-saving analysis before determining action, VTA is going to host an additional peer review later this year.
“The evaluation will help ensure VTA continues to implement industry-leading best practices for BSVII. VTA will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout this process as we analyse concepts that include the Diridon area and Downtown core. Our goal is to ensure that the impact to the public and perspective of the stakeholders is reflected in the evaluation of the path forward,” VTA said.
Linking the BART service from Berryessa/North San José through downtown San José to the City of Santa Clara, BSVII is a 9.6km extension and 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.
The date of awarding progressive design build contract for the tunnel and trackwork contract for BSVII to Kiewit Shea Traylor joint venture was May 2022.
Following a groundbreaking ceremony at the future Santa Clara Station and Newhall Yard & Maintenance Facility in San José and Santa Clara, this project’s construction phase was officially started up in June last year.
