SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Electrification of Caltrain’s line between San Francisco and San Jose, Calif. Is now estimated to cost $2.44 billion, some $462 million over the initial estimate and $129 million more than a Federal Transit Administration estimate from earlier this year, the commuter operator said in a news release.
The 47-mile electrification project, which began construction in 2017, remains on schedule for completion in 2024. The catenary system should be completely installed by next summer, allowing catenary testing to begin in 2022.
The new cost figure reflects COVID-19 related delays, as well as utility and real estate work. The cost reflects negotiations with contractor Balfour Beatty to settle commercial issues and costs arising from extending completion of the project to 2024. The settlement also establishes a shared risk pool to manage future issues and provides new incentives for early completion of aspects of the project.
Caltrain is working with federal, state, and local partners to bridge the resulting funding gap.
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