By rosebell
Following that KSTJV presented cost proposals that significantly exceeded project budget limits, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) board of directors has voted to ditch Kiewit Shea Traylor JV (KSTJV) as the tunnel contractor for BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) on June 27.
With the aim of maintaining the integrity, safety and efficiency of the project that is going to bring BART service into downtown San Jose and Santa Clara, this matter was unanimously approved by the BSVII Oversight Committee earlier this month following a review of the project’s current delivery strategy.
In order to preparating the tunnel portion of the 10km extension, which includes an 8km single-bore tunnel, the first of its kind for a US transit system, KSTJV has been completing preconstruction work. VTA staff’s effort is to maintain the overall project timeline, despite that the change of tunnel contractors will impact the start of tunneling, as the rescheduling of construction package rebidding may be balanced by design enhancements and more efficient construction methods.
Accordig to Tom Maguire, VTA chief megaprojects delivery officer: “As stewards of this region’s future, it is our responsibility to make decisions that ensure the success of this historic investment in public transit. This course correction reflects strong, proactive leadership and reinforces our commitment to delivering BART Silicon Valley Phase II in a fiscally responsible manner.”
Considering that the preliminary industry outreach with major tunneling contractors worldwide showed great interest in the project and suggested that breaking down the scope that was allocated to KSTJV into multiple contract packages would better align with price estimates, in the next months VTA is due to initiate a competitive procurement process. This approach also supports the long-term viability of the program.
Involving building the launch structure for the TBM, KSTJV is going to complete the early BSVII construction activities it has started.
Once the US$100m in state funding for BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII), the VTA board’s decision was made.
The grants, approved by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), are a significant contribution to filling VTA’s remaining funding gap for the project.
The funding includes:
- US$25m from the 2025 Local Partnership Competitive Program (LPP), which supports infrastructure projects that address mobility and transport challenges through strong local investment. VTA submitted this application directly.
- US$75m from the 2025 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP), a competitive grant nominated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) with VTA as the implementing agency. This programme focuses on projects that relieve congestion and promote sustainable, equitable transportation solutions.
“These grants are a critical milestone in delivering BART Silicon Valley Phase II. This investment reflects our region’s long-standing commitment to sustainable transit and the collective determination to bring BART farther into the heart of Silicon Valley. We are also working to set the standard for efficiency and fiscal responsibility in the transit industry by ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and strategically,” said VTA general manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot.
Expanding BART service 10km into downtown San Jose and Santa Clara, the BSVII project’s estimated value is US$12.7bn and is being funded through a combination of local, state, and federal sources, including a planned nearly US$5.1bn contribution from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program.
