BART accelerated work during the pandemic to support rebuilding project

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) took advantage of reduced service hours during the pandemic to accelerate infrastructure projects, according to a new report.

Through March 2021, 126 rebuilding projects across the system were in the planning, design or construction phases. Another 22 projects were completed, BART officials said in a press release.

The Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee’s fourth annual report was presented to BART's board earlier this week. As of March, BART had replaced, completed, upgraded or enhanced:

• 34 miles of worn rail;
• 31 track switches (key track components that help trains switch lines);
• 27 miles of 34.5kV electrical cable to ensure trains have a reliable source of power;
• platform edges at seven stations to improve safety;
• 58 miles of third rail coverboards; and
• four major station modernization and station access projects.

Measure RR is a $3.5 billion bond measure that was approved by voters in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco counties in 2016.