Arup/WSP Joint Venture has been selected by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to provide planning and engineering services for its Link21 program. The program is a long-term transportation initiative focused on rail improvements within the 21-county megaregion that includes the areas of Sacramento, San Francisco Bay, Northern San Joaquin Valley and Monterey Bay. The Link21 Program is led by BART and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA).
“We look forward to having the expertise provided by Arup/WSP JV help us on such a transformational program,” said Sadie Graham, Link21 program manager.
The first of the program’s three phases began in 2021 and involves gathering public input on project alternatives before refining which projects will be in the program and then final engineering design and construction package development.
“We are proud to partner with BART to help advance their groundbreaking Link21 program,” said Aidan Hughes, Arup/WSP JV project manager. “From rail engineering and planning to equity analysis and resilience, our broad range of expertise will enable us to deliver this key program that will significantly and positively impact communities across the Northern California megaregion.”
One project included in the Link21 Program is a New Transbay Rail Crossing to connect Oakland and San Francisco through a new rail service across the San Francisco Bay. Arup/WSP JV will be performing planning and engineering for the project, which will help address the high levels of congestion in the existing Transbay corridor, as well as provide a direct connection for regional rail riders.
As one of the largest transportation investments currently underway in the U.S., Link21 aims to provide a safe, efficient, equitable, affordable and reliable means of travel for the 12.7 million people living in the Northern California megaregion – expanding access to jobs and housing while improving air quality and increasing capacity. A framework to promote equity for all populations and communities is also interwoven throughout all aspects of the program.
“We applaud BART and Capitol Corridor’s leadership and vision to advance this needed program to better connect the region in a more sustainable and equitable way,” said John Fisher, WSP vice president and a member of the Arup/WSP JV Board. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring the best of our team, including our small and minority business partners, to help deliver better rail connections for communities across Northern California.”
