SOURCE: WSP

SUMMARY:

Multi-project initiative will transform Northern California’s 21-county passenger rail network into a better-connected system that is fast, safe, efficient, equitable and reliable.

DESCRIPTION:

SAN FRANCISCO, September 16, 2021 /3BL Media/ — Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has selected Arup/WSP Joint Venture (JV) to provide planning and engineering services for its Link21 program.

A multi-project initiative led by BART and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Link21 aims to transform the passenger rail network in Northern California’s 21-county megaregion into a better-connected system that is both faster and more integrated.

As part of the program, Arup/WSP JV will be performing planning and engineering services for Link21’s New Transbay Rail Crossing, which will connect Oakland and San Francisco through a new rail service across the San Francisco Bay. The New Transbay Rail Crossing 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.”

“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.”

“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.

About WSP USA

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 12,000 employees in 200 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. www.wsp.com

About Arup

Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world's most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. Working in more than 140 countries, the firm's designers, engineers, architects, planners, consultants and technical specialists work with our clients on innovative projects of the highest quality and impact. www.arup.com 

Tweet me: .@ArupGroup/@WSPUSA JV will be performing planning and engineering services for @SFBART Link21’s New Transbay Rail Crossing, which will connect Oakland and San Francisco through a new rail service across the San Francisco Bay. https://bit.ly/3k6njZh

KEYWORDS: TSX:WSP, Arup, WSP USA, BART Link21 Program, Oakland, san francisco