Full Speed Ahead
A message from SFMTA Director of Transportation Edward D. Reiskin
I am thrilled to announce that we received exciting news from our federal funding partners this fall. In October the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved an agreement dedicating $942.2 million to the Central Subway Project, completing the funding necessary to extend the T Third Line through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown. This announcement marked the culmination of many years of hard work and advocacy to expand rapid transit service to some of our most densely populated, underserved communities.
Many of the key officials and San Franciscans who were instrumental in advocating for the Central Subway joined me at a ceremony in Union Square where the funding news was announced. I am profoundly grateful to them and to everyone else who participated in the effort to advance this essential improvement to San Francisco’s public transportation system.
In addition, we have continued to move forward on contracts and construction. This fall a contract to construct the stations, track and operating systems for the Central Subway was advertised. The contract includes work that was previously divided into four separate construction contracts. Combining the contracts will allow the SFMTA to save time and money. It will also allow for a stronger and more consistent program to provide opportunities for small businesses and local residents seeking jobs. So far we have received strong interest in the contract – in November more than 150 people representing more than 75 companies attended a pre-bid conference and meet-and-greet.
Work to prepare for tunneling and station construction has continued at several sites along 4th Street, Stockton Street and Columbus Avenue. In October a contract to relocate utilities for the Union Square/Market Street Station was completed. In addition, the tunneling contractor has made progress at the sites in SoMa, Union Square and North Beach where tunnel pre-construction is underway. For the holiday season, construction has paused in Union Square and North Beach.
Finally, I would like to recognize the members of the Central Subway Community Advisory Group (CAG) for their valued contributions to the project. During the past five years, the Central Subway CAG has informed and guided the project as it has advanced through planning and design and into construction. I thank the volunteers who have participated in the CAG for their service to the SFMTA and to San Francisco. 
Key federal, state and local officials announced federal funding for the Central Subway Project. 
Federal Funding Approved
In October, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved an agreement dedicating $942.2 million in federal funds to the Central Subway Project. This major funding news finalizes the financing for extending the Muni Metro T Third Line through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, Board of Supervisors President David Chiu and other key officials joined Mayor Edwin M. Lee to announce the approval of funding through the FTA’s New Starts program.
“When the Central Subway is complete, our city will see a stronger economy, a larger workforce, decreased pollution, less congestion, and faster, safer commutes,” said Leader Pelosi. “Working with partners and leaders from government, business, and the community, this project will serve as an economic engine for our city, improve and enhance our infrastructure, and connect the diverse communities of San Francisco.”
The exciting announcement took place at the future site of the Union Square/Market Street Station. 
Construction Updates
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, construction of the Central Subway has paused around Union Square, and traffic has returned to the sections of Stockton Street and Ellis Street that had been previously closed during construction.
At the following sites along the Central Subway alignment, construction will be underway during the holiday season:
- 4th Street between Bryant and Harrison streets (tunnel launch box)
- 4th Street between Harrison and Folsom streets (tunnel preconstruction)
- 4th Street between Folsom and Howard streets (tunnel preconstruction at Yerba Buena/Moscone Station site)
- Stockton Street between Sacramento and Vallejo streets (installation of subsurface monitoring instruments)
All of the work currently in progress is a part of the tunnel contract, preparing for tunneling and the arrival of the tunnel boring machines in 2013.
This fall, crews completed construction associated with a contract to relocate utility lines at the site of the future Union Square/Market Street Station.
The photos here show construction at the tunnel launch box site. 
A pre-bid conference for the recently advertised stations, track and systems contract.
Major Contract Advertised
This fall a contract to construct the stations, track and operating systems for the Central Subway was advertised. The estimated $720 million to $750 million contract includes construction of three subway stations, one surface-level station, train tracks and other components of the T Third Line extension through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown.
The contract includes several provisions to encourage local hiring and provide opportunities for small businesses and disadvantaged San Franciscans. It incorporates a robust Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goal of 20 percent. In addition, the winning contractor will be required to set aside 50 percent of the trucking and hauling work for certified SBE firms.
The contract also includes $1.5 million to hire socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for entry-level jobs, such as general clean-up and pedestrian safety monitoring. The winning contractor will establish a Construction Management Trainee Program to provide socially and economically disadvantaged individuals with at least 40,000 hours of on-the-job training for construction management positions.
Bids for the contract, SFMTA Contract No. 1300, are due March 19, 2013. More information is available online here. 
Follow Us on Instagram
The Central Subway Project is now on Instagram, the popular online photo-sharing community. Follow us on your iPhone or Android phone at username CentralSubway to see neighborhood events, construction progress and more. You can also view our Instagram feed online at www.instagram.com/CentralSubway.
The photos above are a sampling of what we have posted since joining in October.