Aecom selected as program manager for US$8.3bn rail extension project

An interpretation of one of the train stations on the project (Photo: TJPA)

The tunnelling and station megaproject will extend the Caltrain commuter rail service from its current terminal to the Salesforce Transit Center and accommodate future California High-Speed Rail service.

Once complete, Aecom said that the extension will serve as a key regional rail connection with a combined average ridership forecast of 90,000 daily riders connecting with 11 Bay area transit systems.

“Aecom has been proud to support the TJPA since the inception of the Transbay Program, and we’re thrilled to help deliver the next phase of this transformative investment,” said Mark Southwell, chief executive of global Transportation business at Aecom.

Portal Connectors, a team led by Aecom, will be responsible for implementing an operating model to deliver a range of program management and project supervision services.

This includes effectively executing key activities such as obtaining FTA funding, finalising the procurement plan in 2024, activating collaborative delivery models, designing and building the tunnel stations, and integrating The Portal with existing rail systems and operations.

The 1.3-mile rail extension is expected to be constructed mainly below ground using cut-and-cover and mined tunnelling methods.

The project includes an underground station at Fourth and Townsend Streets, along with the Salesforce Transit Center’s basement levels, utility relocation, and track and system work.

“Our capabilities across all forms of rail projects, from urban transit to high-speed and regional rail, continue to make us a trusted partner for our global clients seeking integrated rail solutions,” said Drew Jeter, chief executive of AECOM’s Program Management global business line. “We look forward to leveraging these capabilities as we help deliver this multi-modal transit hub, which will support transformative mobility and environmental benefits for the Bay Area and beyond.”

The Portal is the second phase of the TJPA’s Transbay Program.