The BSVII External Affairs team serves as the link for BSVII Project public engagement in Santa Clara County, ensuring that the public has prompt access to project-related information. Whether attending community gatherings, participating in events, or personally engaging with neighbors to notify them about upcoming construction, our team is dedicated to fostering transparent communication and community involvement.
The guiding work for BSVII community engagement is the Construction Education and Outreach Plan (CEOP). This comprehensive plan helps guide public awareness and engagement throughout the life of the project and is structured in stages that align with BSVII activities. The following components are included in this outreach plan:
- General Outreach
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Resources
- Placemaking
- On the Radar – Associated Projects
The BSVII External Affairs team proactively connects with the community through diverse channels. This approach enables the team to engage with specific groups of people within the community, including small business owners and residents near the four stations. Below, are several methods for community participation and to receive updates on the BSVII Project:
- VTA Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, and Workshops
- Community Working Groups
- Small Business Task Force
- BSVII Newsletters
- Community Engagement Activities/Tabling
If you’re interested in attending a future event, visit our Project Calendar below and follow us on social media. To learn more about the BSVII Project, check out our blog and newsletters page or watch a VTA Board of Director or BSVII Oversight Committee meeting! Additionally, watch past presentations and recordings on VTA’s YouTube channel!
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Community Working Groups
Community Working Groups (CWGs) were initially created when VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Program was a 16-mile extension into Santa Clara County. In 2009, the project transitioned into two phases. Resuming in 2015, CWGs were reestablished for the Santa Clara, 28th Street/Little Portugal, and Downtown-Diridon station areas. Each CWG member is appointed to represent the diverse communities residing, working, and engaging in activities near the stations. Their primary responsibilities include disseminating project information to stakeholders within their respective station areas and providing valuable community feedback to the project team.
CWGs generally meet quarterly. Refer to the table below for upcoming meeting dates. For the latest updates and information on the station-specific CWGs, see the links below!
Station Area
Upcoming Dates
Past CWG recordings, meeting notes and agendas
28th Street/
Little Portugal
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Downtown-Diridon
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Santa Clara
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Thursday, November 19, 2026
View the Project Calendar below for further details on upcoming meetings.
Community Meetings
Community meetings are regularly presented by the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project to regularly engage the public and stakeholders as it progresses through design and construction phases to project delivery. Community meetings may be held for project-wide or station-specific updates, construction briefings, or public input for upcoming planning efforts.
Community meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis. For the latest updates and information on upcoming or past community meetings, please see links below.
Click to see full image!
Meeting Name
Date
Meeting resources
Project and Design Update Meeting (Virtual and In-Person)
December 2, 2024
December 4, 2024
View the Project Calendar below for further details on upcoming meetings.
Small Business Task Force
VTA is prioritizing the inclusion of businesses located near the BSVII Project in decision-making processes both before and during construction. Since Fall 2019 and throughout the construction phase, VTA has established a Small Business Task Force aimed at:
- Acting as points of contact for the business community leading up to and through construction;
- Receiving and relaying updates to the business community and relevant stakeholders on BSVII Project resources that may be available to business owners;
- Providing VTA with real-time feedback from small businesses along the BSVII Project corridor;
- Informing the Small Business Resource Study; and
- Providing feedback on VTA’s proposed Thriving Business Program.
Check out the Thriving Business Program (TBP) page to learn more
Thriving Business ProgramCommunity Activity
The BSVII External Affairs Team actively participates in community and stakeholder events across Santa Clara County. Our dedicated team is committed to keeping the community informed about project developments. We welcome your feedback, questions and the opportunity to provide updates on the project!
Review some of our recent community engagement gatherings below and request project staff at an event near you! Check out our upcoming community activity on our Project calendar here.
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project – Summer Newsletter
Project Update
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project (BSVII) continues its upward momentum halfway through 2026, having already achieved several key milestones this year.
To date, construction crews have completed constructing the structure’s walls, approximately three-quarters of the excavation, most of the structural support systems, and about one-third of the concrete ramp, which is the bottom of the structure. The work remains on schedule and on budget, paving the way for the next phase of construction. Design of the five-mile tunnel, a critical path item, is 100% designed.
Building on that progress, the VTA Board of Directors has approved transitioning the Kiewit Shea Traylor (KST) contract to a Target Price/Incentive-Based Contract model. The approach enhances cost transparency through open-book accounting, strengthens risk management and aligns incentives to support efficient, accountable project delivery. As part of its phased delivery strategy, the Board also authorized $400 million for early works. Any future funding will require additional Board approval, ensuring continued oversight and accountability as the project advances.
In the coming weeks, much of the project staff’s focus will be on submitting the 60% design package to stakeholders and the Cities of San José and Santa Clara. Additionally, BSVII is in the process of a re-baselining effort to establish updated schedule and cost figures following the significant cost-savings measures instituted over the last 18 months.
Preparing the Ground: Moving Towards Construction at 28th Street/Little Portugal BART Station Area
Summer will be a busy season of pre-construction work preparing the future 28th Street/Little Portugal BART Station site.
Following initial soils testing in March, the BSVII team has begun early-phase activities on the station block to prepare for demolition. This stage focuses on careful planning to balance construction readiness, environmental responsibility, and community considerations before demolition begins.
Teams are assessing existing conditions by identifying materials that can be salvaged for reuse while cataloging structures slated for removal. This approach supports sustainability goals and ensures demolition is carried out efficiently. In May, crews safely disconnected utilities, which is an essential step to protect workers and the surrounding community. They also began managing hazardous material removal in compliance with strict safety regulations.
A detailed Noise and Vibration Plan is also being developed. It includes baseline monitoring, projections of construction noise and vibration levels and, if needed, measures that will be implemented to comply with applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) thresholds.
Environmental protection remains a key priority. Pre-demolition surveys are being conducted to safeguard wildlife that may inhabit the buildings, including nesting birds and roosting bats. Species such as Mourning Doves and Black Phoebes are monitored due to legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, while special attention is given to sensitive bat species like Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat.
Once these preparatory steps are complete, demolition of above-ground structures will proceed, followed by site cleanup. Below ground removal will align with major construction work, helping establish a strong foundation for major construction of the 28th Street/Little Portugal BART Station.
Soils Testing at future Diridon BART Station Area to Prompt Temporary Lot Closure
As part of early site preparation for VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project, the parking lot south of Santa Clara St. between Barack Obama Blvd. and S. Montgomery St.
The future Diridon BART Station area (see map below) will be temporarily closed as early as July 20, 2026, for a duration of three months for soils testing activity. This activity is necessary to prepare the site for future construction and ensure safe and efficient project delivery.
In advance of the closure, VTA is actively coordinating with key stakeholders in the area to ensure a smooth transition. Outreach efforts include stakeholder briefings, technical coordination, public notices and external messaging to minimize impact on Diridon Transit Center users ahead of the closure. Travelers should plan ahead and allow additional time as needed. Pedestrian access to Diridon Transit Center will remain unaffected.
Construction Update
The BSVII project reached significant milestones on-site this season. We recently celebrated a major achievement with approximately three-quarters excavation of the tunnel launch structure completed! This represents years of coordinated planning and execution that marks a critical milestone, bringing us one step closer to making future stations possible.
In April, the final underground support wall panel at the caterpillar shaft was installed. Extending 133.5 feet deep, the D-Walls (underground support walls) combined with the cross walls and Y-panels, form an interconnected supportive structure for excavation and future tunnel boring machine operations.
In early May, we observed National Construction Safety Week. We recognized our hardworking crew members, who have been committed to keeping safety at the forefront of this project. Their efforts are driven through regular safety walks, meetings and site-specific onboarding and trainings. Since construction began in Summer 2024, our crews have worked a total of 800,000 hours safely.
To see just how much progress the project has made, there are drone flyovers of our construction site taken monthly available for public viewing. Watch the videos here.
To receive the BSVII monthly construction updates, sign up here.
Read the recent construction updates from this quarter:
April Monthly Construction Update
BSVII In the Community
BART Board of Directors: The BSVII team welcomed a BART Board of Directors’ Janice Li and Liz Ames, on a tour of the West Portal Launch Structure. The partnership is vital in delivering the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension.
California Transportation Commission: The BSVII team had the honor of welcoming the California Transportation Commission (CTC) on a tour of the West Portal Launch Structure construction. The commission recently distributed $1 million in grants to the project.
Viva Calle: BSVII team members took to the streets at Viva Calle, an open street event that brings people and communities together to walk, bike, skate, play and explore the City of San José. We shared the vision of what it would be like to also take public transit around the Bay with the BART extension into Silicon Valley.
San José Earthquakes: Goal! BSVII’s neighbor, San José Earthquakes, had the team out at one of its games in May to share updates on construction nearby at Newhall Yard and project information.
SJSU Earth Day: In May, BSVII team members connected with San José State University students in celebration of Earth Day to share project updates.
Employee Spotlight
The BSVII Project is fueled by a team of dedicated individuals working to bring this historic project to life. We’re excited to introduce this quarter’s Team Member Spotlight, Jason Pielech, our Program Health & Safety Manager from Bechtel Corporation.
As a young college athlete, Pielech found himself at the crossroads when he broke both his hands, ending his football aspirations.
“I found myself uncertain about the direction I wanted to take in life,” he said. “My father encouraged me to either join the military or pursue an opportunity with a family member who worked in the Environment, Safety, and Health field (ES&H).”
He chose ES&H, which ultimately launched his 25-year career in construction safety. Construction safety managers are critical to the successful execution of construction projects. They serve as leaders in worker protection, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk mitigation. Their expertise and leadership contribute to the prevention of incidents, the promotion of a strong safety culture and a productive work environment.
“Safety is personal to me because I genuinely enjoy what I do and take pride in contributing to an environment where workers can perform their jobs safely and return home to their families each day,” Pielech said.
Pielech is proud to work on the BSVII project where the team has worked more than 800,000 hours without lost time or reportable injuries, a substantial feat for a project of its size and complexity. Pielech said this proves that the project’s safety culture is strong and starts from the top.
“I don’t see safety as a priority, I see it as a value because priorities can change but values don’t,” Pielech said.
Calendar Look Ahead
Save the dates for future meetings.
Tuesday, September 15 – Downtown-Diridon Community Working Group
Wednesday, September 16 – 28th Street/Little Portugal Community Working Group
Thursday, September 17 – Santa Clara Community Working Group
In Case you missed it!
Bike to Work Day was on Thursday, May 14, and the BSVII team featured one of our regular two-wheeled commuters, Gil Navarrete, a transportation planner for the project. By extending BART service through San José and Santa Clara, we’re ringing the Bay with transit, and biking is a great way to achieve your last mile on the way to work.
June Events 2024
June was an exciting month for the Project as we achieved major milestones! The Project Team attended the annual Dia de Portugal Festival and the East Bay Regional Connector Groundbreaking Ceremony and Resource Fair to share the latest updates on the Project. Additionally, we had the honor of planning and hosting the Project’s first Groundbreaking event. This exclusive event marked the official start of construction, with the groundbreaking taking place at the West Portal where the tunnel boring machine (TBM) will launch.
Santa Clara University’s 4th Annual PowWow
The Project Team had the pleasure of attending Santa Clara University’s 4th Annual PowWow, where we shared how VTA’s BSVII Project will improve transportation and bridge communities. Amidst the vibrant regalia and captivating dances, we were able to connect with the community and highlight the positive impact of the Project!
April Events 2024
In April, the Project Team attended several community events including the Five Wounds Urban Village Plan Open House, Viva Calle SoFA, and the annual Spring Train Show where we shared insights on how VTA’s BSVII Project will support active transportation within the community. Shout out to the 400+ community members who stopped by our booths to learn about the Project!
Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library
The Project Team set up a booth inside the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library to share exciting news about the progress of VTA’s BSVII Project!
February Events 2024
The Team proudly presented Project updates at Director Torres’ Pizza & Policy lunch and the well-known Ask VTA series. Additionally, we set up booths at the Lunar New Year Festival, the VTA ACCESS Paratransit Open House, and Transit Day at Meta, where we engaged with over 800 community members combined!
Milpitas BART Station
The Team kicked off the first pop-up event of the New Year at Milpitas BART Station! Thanks to everyone that stopped by during their evening commute to show excitement about the Project and talk with Project staff.
The Creative Cultural Event of East San José
The Creative Cultural Event of East San José showcased art, dance, low riders, music, and the rich culture of East San José. The Project Team had a blast celebrating with the community!
November Events 2023
November was a busy month engaging with the community. Project staff spoke with over 300 community members at the annual Fall Train show hosted by the South Bay Historical Railroad Society, VTA’s Winchester Open House, and two pop-ups at Santa Clara Station and the Whole Foods along the Alameda!
Mercadito Food Distribution
The Project Team engaged with over 100 community members in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese to ensure that all community members know that they’ll be able to use this new transit service in the future!
Santa Clara Parade of Champions
The 54th annual Santa Clara Parade of Champions was a day filled with warm weather, great food, music, and company. Over 250 attendees, including Santa Clara Councilmembers, stopped by our table to show support for the Project.
World Journal Moon Festival Carnival
The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Cupertino was a day filled with culture and celebration. The Project Team had a blast engaging with the community and enjoying fun family games, food, and much more!
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
This community cherished annual event showcased a variety of artists, craft vendors, live music, food, and wine! The Project Team enjoyed engaging with over 1,000 people. Thank you to all the community members that attended and showed support for the Project!
VivaCalleSJ
VivaCalleSJ in Japantown was a great success. For one afternoon, the City closed several streets to allow community members to explore neighborhoods at their own pace. Many chose to either walk, bike, or skate while enjoying the booths and activities the event had to offer!
Silicon Valley Pride Parade
Silicon Valley Pride, born from a 1975 gay rights rally, has grown into the largest South Bay LGBTQ+ celebration. Thousands of community members attended this year’s parade!
Pacific Feats Festival
The Pacific Feats Festival celebrated the Pacific Islander community in Downtown San José through music, art, food, dancing, and more!
Caltrain Electric Train Tour
With over 4,000 community members in attendance to witness the unveiling of Caltrain’s new electric trains, the Electric Train Tour was a huge success!
Viva CalleSJ
Community members came together at Viva CalleSJ to walk, bike, skate, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our team had a blast sharing how the project will support active transportation!
Dia De Portugal
The annual Dia De Portugal Festival celebrates Portuguese culture and heritage with a day filled with traditional Portuguese music, a parade, food, and art!
MTC Tour
The team was excited to host the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and guide them on a tour of the project. A huge thank you to Supervisor Chavez, VTA staff, and MTC members on this successful tour to showcase the importance of funding the BSVII Project!
San José Downtown Residents Association
The team presented to the San José Downtown Residents Association to update them on the project and design schedule.
Santa Clara Train Show
The South Bay Historical Railroad Society hosted a Spring Open House and Train Show at the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. The team engaged with community members that enjoy the history of transit!
Have BSVII Staff Attend Your Event or Presentation
Let our External Affairs Team (EAT) and subject matter experts bring your organization up to date on BSVII Project!