Construction of Central Subway Stations, Tracks and Operating Systems Commencing to Extend T Third Line Through SoMa, Union Square, Chinatown

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which oversees transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), today announced that construction of the Central Subway’s stations, tracks and operating systems has commenced, extending the Muni Metro T Third Line underground to improve public transit in some of San Francisco’s busiest neighborhoods. Once in operation, the Central Subway will cut travel times in half along congested Stockton Street and 4th Street while enhancing connections to BART, Muni Metro and Caltrain.

The first construction activities are preparatory in nature and include installing monitoring devices, putting up fences and removing hazardous materials at future subway station sites in Chinatown and SoMa. After completing this work, contractor Tutor Perini will demolish the existing structures at the sites of the future Chinatown Station (933-949 Stockton Street) and Yerba Buena/Moscone Station (260-266 4th Street). Demolition of the buildings will commence soon after, followed by station construction.

At other locations, construction will commence later this year or in 2014. Construction timelines and impacts will vary significantly at the various project sites (more details below). Construction is expected to finish in 2018.

“The Central Subway project will not only link up our diverse communities in San Francisco, but it will be an engine for job creation and economic growth in our City,” said Mayor Lee. “This project is an important investment in our City’s infrastructure that will improve transportation options, reduce emissions and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

“This work will extend the T Third Line through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown, providing a rapid north-to-south connection into the heart of the city,” said Tom Nolan, chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors.

The construction is part of SFMTA Contract 1300 (Stations, Track and Systems), awarded to Tutor Perini, a leading California-based construction firm, earlier this year. As part of this contract, Tutor Perini will construct three subway stations, one surface-level station, 1.7 miles of train tracks and the operating systems for the T Third Line extension.

Tutor Perini has extensive experience in building public infrastructure in the Bay Area and around the country. Tutor Perini improved the seismic reliability of the Richmond Bridge and is currently building the expansion of the Caldecott tunnel in the East Bay, among numerous other major projects.

“The Central Subway will bring together neighborhoods of our city that have long been in need of improved public transit,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Edward D. Reiskin. “This important work to build the subway stations, the tracks and the operating systems represents a significant milestone that allows our transportation network to continue to grow with the needs of a world class city.”

To inform local businesses, residents, property owners and community groups about construction timelines and impacts, the SFMTA and Tutor Perini will work in partnership to disseminate detailed information and host community meetings before major work begins. The public may learn about Central Subway community meetings and construction by signing up for the project’s weekly construction emails. An online signup form is available at http://eepurl.com/oOs-b.

The following provides an overview of the work included in this major construction undertaking:

Timeline

Construction will be in progress at various sites from September 2013 to February 2018. Timelines will vary significantly at each site. Additional information will be provided in the coming months.

Locations and Scope of Work

Southern SoMa:

• Location: Along and under 4th Street, between Bryant Street and King Street.
• Main activities: Surface-level station at 4th and Brannan, surface-level tracks from King Street to the tunnel portal at Bryant Street, track reconfiguration at 4th and King streets to connect the Central Subway with existing T Third Line.

Northern SoMa:

• Location: Along and under 4th Street, between Howard and Folsom streets.
• Main activities: Demolition of gas station at 260 4th Street, construction of Yerba Buena/Moscone Station.

Union Square:

• Location: Along and under Stockton Street, between Geary and Ellis streets, and at the southeast corner of Union Square Plaza.
• Main activities: Union Square/Market Street Station, station entrance at southeast corner of Union Square Plaza, underground concourse connection to Powell Street Station.

Chinatown:

• Location: Along and under Stockton Street, between Stockton and Washington streets, and at 933-949 Stockton Street.
• Main activities: Demolition of 933-949 Stockton, construction of Chinatown Station at Stockton and Washington streets.

The Central Subway is expected to open to the public in 2019. For more information, visit www.centralsubwaysf.com.