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The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced yesterday that it issued a bid advertisement for construction of the stations, track and operating systems for the Central Subway project.

The contract will be worth $720 million to $750 million, and will cover construction of three subway stations, one surface-level station, tracks and other components of the T Third Line extension through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown, SFMTA officials said in a prepared statement.

Bids are due Jan. 23, 2013. The contract includes work previously divided into four separate construction contracts. SFMTA officials determined that combining the contacts will help save time and money, as well as provide opportunities for small businesses and local residents who are seeking jobs, they said.

"As we build this crucial addition to our public transit system, this major contract will contribute greatly to our local economy," said San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee.

The Central Subway project calls for extending the T Third Line from the 4th Street Caltrain Station to Chinatown, which will provide a direct rapid transit link from the Bayshore and Mission Bay areas to SoMa and downtown.