Key Milestones Achieved on BSVII Project
The BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) project has reached a number of major milestones, from major construction progress to critical funding updates. As we wrap up fall and head into the end of the year, we’re excited to share the latest updates and developments that continue to move the project forward.
Single Bore Project Configuration Decision
In August, VTA convened a Peer Review, in coordination with FTA, with project delivery executives from peer public agencies providing their input and feedback on feasibility, constructability, contracting packaging, and delivery methods based on their respective experiences delivering transportation infrastructure projects.
At the October 17th VTA Board meeting, Directors heard an extensive presentation on Peer Review recommendations on moving forward with the largest public infrastructure project in Santa Clara County and how VTA will be addressing the recommendations. Following the discussion, the Board voted in favor of advancing the project configuration with one large single bore as the most viable option, offering the best balance of constructability, feasibility, and lower overall risk. It avoids the high cost, complexity, and downtown disruption associated with the alternative concurrent tunneling approach of using two boring machines with a smaller single bore tunnel from the east in addition to the large single bore tunnel from the west.
The Board’s decision allows VTA to further advance the project design, and stay on the critical path to tunnel construction, and meet the projected revenue service date.
Outlining a Path to the FFGA
A path forward to securing a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was presented at the November 6th VTA Board meeting. This plan includes the next required FTA funding steps, Board involvement, key project activities, contract strategies, and ongoing engagement with the community and stakeholders.
The process begins with submitting preliminary project plans and procedures documents by mid-2026 to position the project for a required risk assessment in Fall 2026. These readiness materials, along with a detailed schedule and a balanced budget, are essential for the FFGA application submittal targeted for the end of 2026, with an anticipated award in mid-2027.
West Portal Construction Update
Construction crews have completed several important milestones at the West Portal to advance the construction of the project’s tunnel launch structure, the future entry point for the future Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to descend into the ground and bore the five-mile-long tunnel from west to east.
The diagram below shows the tunnel launch shaft, which is made up of four sections. The Caterpillar “Cat” Shaft is the deepest and strongest part of the tunnel launch structure, designed in a caterpillar-like shape for added strength. The next portion of the underground facility will be excavated and then covered for above-ground facilities (i.e., “cut & cover”). The U-shaped walls and sheet piles are the underground support infrastructure that serve as the opening of the tunnel portal.
The tunnel launch structure is supported by a series of underground walls and bracing systems designed to keep the excavation safe and stable. Initial work included improving the ground by mixing and strengthening the soil with heavy equipment while replacing some soil with special engineered material to optimize conditions for the machine launch. Crews then excavated the area to place the constructed guide walls that help direct machines that build underground support structures. Strong metal sheet pile walls were constructed to keep the excavation safe once the dirt was removed. To maintain a dry and safe work area, crews drilled dewatering wells, which are used to remove groundwater from the excavation area to a depth of 110 feet.
In September, the project saw its first installation of Y-Panels, which are 300,000-pound steel structures that are the y-shaped section of walls at the connection points of the circular shapes within the Cat Shaft. November included a huge milestone with the installation of the last Y-Panel wall, which was the most complex element of the construction of the tunnel launch structure. The launch structure is taking shape and will continue to grow deeper in the months ahead!
Downtown San José Demolition Activities
Demolition work continued at several VTA-owned properties to make way for future Downtown San Jose BART Station. The burned building site located at the corner of N 13th Street & E Santa Clara Street was demolished and cleared in November. Abatement of hazardous materials at the property located at N 1st Street and W Santa Clara Street was completed in October, and building demolition and clean-up work started in November and is expected to be complete by January ahead of key 2026 events, including Super Bowl LX, March Madness, and the FIFA World Cup.
Before and after photos of the burned building site located at the corner of N 13th Street & E Santa Clara Street
BSVII in the Community and Industry
BSVII team members were delighted to take part in multiple and diverse opportunities to share important project updates and hear from community members. This fall, teams participated in multiple community and industry events, including:
- San José’s Viva Calle event
- Silicon Valley Business Alliance soft launch breakfast
- Quarterly Community Working Group Meetings
- South Bay Historical Railroad Society Fall Model Train Show
BSVII team members continue to connect with neighbors and share updates on the BSVII Project. Events like this remind us: we’re not just part of the project; we’re part of the neighborhood. We’re engineers, outreach coordinators, planners, and project managers. We’re also cyclists, parents, local shoppers, and community members committed to building a project that reflects the values and voices of the people it serves.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about the BSVII Project and engage with Project staff at these events. We are grateful to be part of this vibrant community!
BSVII at West Portal Media Tour, Santa Clara Parade of Champions & SBHRS Fall Train Show: connecting with community
Celebrating the Dedication of Community Working Groups in Shaping the Future of BSVII
The success of VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Program owes much to the steadfast commitment and active participation of its Community Working Groups (CWGs). Established during the program’s early days as a 16-mile extension into Santa Clara County (2009), these groups have evolved alongside the project, adapting to new phases and expanding their reach as the initiative progressed. In 2015, the reestablishment of CWGs for Santa Clara, 28th Street/Little Portugal, and Downtown-Diridon station areas marked a renewed dedication to community involvement and transparent communication.
CWG members represent the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that surround each station area. Their work is essential: not only do they keep residents, workers, and local organizations informed about project developments, but they also serve as vital liaisons, channeling community perspectives and feedback directly to the project team. CWGs have met quarterly since 2015, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted remain at the heart of the decision-making process.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to every CWG member for their invaluable contributions. Their willingness to volunteer time, share insights, and foster collaboration helps shape a transit system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities. The ongoing success of the BART Silicon Valley Program is a testament to their dedication and spirit of service.
Last CWG meeting for 2025 and member appreciation gathering in December
BSV II Team Member 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, Sarah Wilson, the person steering BSVII construction with purpose, clarity, and a real dedication to keeping the community connected every step of the way.
In a field long dominated by men, Sarah Wilson is rewriting the blueprint. As Director of Construction for the over $12 billion BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) Extension, Wilson is not only overseeing the construction of one of the largest infrastructure projects in California—but in the entire country. With over 25 years of experience in underground engineering and civil infrastructure, her leadership focuses on finding synergies where talent and experience enable innovation. Innovations are key for this project that is transforming how we think about transit, accessibility, and the future of American cities.
“This is more than a cutting edge construction project—it’s the backbone of a transit system that will change how people live and work in Silicon Valley. We have some incredible team members here at BSVII, and I’m proud to help lead that transformation.”
This is more than a story about steel and concrete. It’s about a woman leading the construction of a generational project that will connect communities, reduce emissions, and reshape the Bay Area’s transportation landscape. From digging 135 feet below San José to managing complex logistics and funding challenges, Wilson’s work is as technically impressive as it is socially and politically significant.
Sarah has been integral in collaborating with the main contractor Kiewit Shea Traylor and VTA’s subject matter experts in design and construction management to oversee the fabrication of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), being manufactured by Herrenknecht engineers in Germany. VTA initiated purchase of the TBM in November 2023 and at 53 feet in diameter, it is one of the largest TBM machines ever to be built. In June, Sarah and an integrated team of KST and VTA engineers conducted a visit to the factory to conduct the official acceptance of the completed TBM, a process referred to as factory acceptance.
In approximately 18 months, the TBM will be shipped from Kehl, Germany across the ocean to California to be reassembled on-site at the West Portal. Reassembling the TBM will take approximately 6 months on-site before it is ready to be launched. The custom-built TBM will launch at the West Portal and will excavate traveling east towards the Berryessa/North San José BART Station, taking approximately 3+ years to complete the 5-mile-long tunnel. Once tunneling is complete, the TBM will emerge above ground at the East Portal on the east side of US 101 near Las Plumas Avenue. The TBM is expected to be refurbished or reused for another construction project in the future.
Stay Informed!
Team members have been meeting with key neighbors and stakeholders to share updates and gather input. Outreach efforts have included canvassing, presentations to residents, and coordination with nearby institutions and property owners.
Sign up for BSVII updates by signing up at BART Phase II Updates.
These updates reflect steady progress for the BSVII project as it advances toward bringing long-term transit improvements to the region.
