Milestones position the project for expanded construction, tunneling preparation

After a year of major progress, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) moves into 2026 poised for continued advancement on BART Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII), California’s largest infrastructure project. Key milestones reached in 2025 have positioned the six-mile extension for expanded construction activity and preparation for tunneling in the year ahead.

“2025 was about building the foundation,” said Tom Maguire, VTA’s Chief Megaprojects Delivery Officer. “That work allows us to accelerate toward major construction and keep this critical regional project moving forward in 2026.”

In 2025, VTA secured $100 million in new state funding, advanced a cost-containment strategy, reaffirmed the single-bore tunnel method, procured the project’s tunnel boring machine, and strengthened governance and contracting frameworks to support upcoming construction.

Construction progress at Newhall Yard reached a pivotal point, with over 70% of the tunnel launch structure walls complete, establishing the backbone for future tunneling operations. This work also includes the Caterpillar Shaft, the deepest portion of the launch structure.

In 2026, VTA will build on this progress with continued construction of the tunnel launch structure, expanded early site work such as utility relocations and staging-area development early construction activities. Remaining project elements will continue moving toward contract award as design work advances.

Together, these efforts mark a transition from planning and preparation to sustained construction, bringing BART Silicon Valley Phase II closer to reality for the region.