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SFMTA’s Central Subway will connect San Francisco’s southeast neighborhoods to downtown and Chinatown. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, business owner, Muni customer, or just stumbled onto our blog, we welcome your questions and encourage you to connect with us. Follow us for the latest Central Subway news and information.

28 April 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Smart Jobs Workshop

From left: Leslie Rogers (FTA Regional Administrator), Tom Nolan (Chairman, SFMTA Board of Directors), Darren Brown (Special Assistant, Associate Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, FHWA), James Cheatham (Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, FHWA), John Funghi (Central Subway Project Program Director)

From left: Leslie Rogers (FTA Regional Administrator), Tom Nolan (Chairman, SFMTA Board of Directors), Darren Brown (Special Assistant, Associate Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, FHWA), James Cheatham (Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, FHWA), John Funghi (Central Subway Project Program Director)

Tom Nolan (Chairman, SFMTA Board of Directors) speaks at the Smart Jobs Workforce Development Workshop

Tom Nolan (Chairman, SFMTA Board of Directors) speaks at the Smart Jobs Workforce Development Workshop

The SFMTA, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), hosted a Smart Jobs Workforce Development workshop on April 27, 2011 to highlight opportunities within the Central Subway Project.  The workshop was part of a community engagement plan and diversity efforts to encourage disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) from around the Bay Area to compete for upcoming Central Subway contracts.  A series of panel discussions highlighted implementation strategies across the country for workforce development, industry best practices for disadvantaged businesses, and guidance from FTA leaders about community partnering and smart jobs opportunities.

There were 106 attendees from across the country including representatives from the FHWA, FTA, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, the SFMTA, local businesses, labor unions, and other community organizations.  Speakers at the workshop included SFMTA Executive Director/CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr., Chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors Tom Nolan, Regional Administrator of the FTA’s Region IX Office Leslie Rogers, and keynote speaker James Cheatham, the Acting Associate Administrator from the Office of Civil Rights at the Federal Highway Administration.

The Federal Highway Administration issued a press release about the workshop which was part of a national series of events aimed at encouraging women and minority-owned businesses to help DBE goals on major construction projects.

The Smart Jobs Workshop presentation (PDF) is available for download.  The Smart Jobs Workshop attendee list (PDF) is also available.  Portions of the workshop are also available on YouTube: Opening, Keynote, Panel 1, Panel 2, Closing.

Thanks to all of the participants for making this event a success and contributing your insight about strategies for smart jobs!  We look forward to working with you in the near future.

15 April 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Construction Schedule Apr. 16 to May 6

Central Subway Construction Look Ahead
April 16, 2011 to May 6, 2011
(PDF available: Contract 1251 April 16-May 6 Look Ahead)

Utility Relocation for the Union Square/Market Street Station

  • Geary Street (east side of Stockton Street): Installation of high pressure water line and joint trench including communication, electrical and gas lines
  • O’Farrell Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Excavation of low pressure water line and joint trench including communication, electrical and gas lines
  • East side of Stockton Street (Geary to O’Farrell streets): Continuation of structural wall and installation of joint trench including communication, electrical and gas lines

Underneath the east side of Stockton StreetInstallation of high pressure water line on Geary Street

Construction is scheduled for seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., although night work may be necessary. Noise and dust will be kept to a minimum and the construction team will work to maintain a clean streetscape during and outside of construction hours.

The businesses along the construction route will remain open. The contractor will always maintain safe pedestrian access to all stores during business hours. Those traveling or working in the area can expect an increase in noise, dust and traffic as a result of the construction.

Standard traffic signs will be used to detour pedestrian and vehicle traffic and variable message signs have been placed on Geary Street, O’Farrell Street and Stockton Street to inform approaching traffic of detour routes.

Muni Service Impacts
During the utility relocation, the following Muni routes may experience delays, but will continue their normal routes on Stockton Street:

  • 8X/8AX/8BX Bayshore Express
  • 30 Stockton
  • 45 Union-Stockton

Traffic Impacts

  • At all times only one lane of traffic will be available on Stockton Street between Sutter and Market streets.
  • The open lane of traffic on Stockton Street will be available for Muni buses, taxis, tour buses and delivery trucks only.
  • All private automobiles going to 4th Street and other SoMa destinations will be required to take one of two detours.
  • Two traffic detour options are in place to allow better access to the Union Square area and to aid the flow of traffic:
    • Option 1: Divert west on Sutter Street, south on Mason Street, east on Eddy Street, south on Cyril Magnin Street, continue south across Market Street onto 5th Street, east on Folsom Street and south on 4th Street or
    • Option 2: Divert east on Post Street, south on Montgomery Street to New Montgomery Street, west on Howard Street and south on 4th Street.
  • Parking Control Officers will be on hand to monitor traffic at the following times:
    • Post and Stockton streets: Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    • Geary and Stockton streets: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • O’Farrell and Stockton streets: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Garages within the construction zone are open and accessible.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the Central Subway project or construction, please call External Affairs Manager Brajah Norris and the Central Subway Outreach Team at 415-701-4371 or via e-mail at central.subway@sfmta.com. Project information is available at www.sfmta.com/central, the Central Subway blog, or via Twitter (@central_subway) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralsubway).

13 April 2011 ~ 1 Comment

New Tow-Away Hours on Stockton Street

Effective April 16, 2011, the tow-away hours and days will be changed along the east side of Stockton Street between Post and Campton streets.

The SFMTA Parking  will be bagging meters on Thursday morning, April 14 and remove the bags by the close of business on Friday, April 15. The Sign Shop will swap out the tow-away signs on Friday morning (currently 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday) to new tow-away hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday. Businesses will still be able to use the yellow zones for loading in the morning. Decal signs on the meters and reprogram of the meters will match the hours indicated on the new tow-away signs. (PDF available: New Tow-Away Hours)

Stockton Street

For questions and concerns, please contact Central Subway External Affairs Manager Brajah Norris at 415.701.5263.

25 March 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Construction Schedule Mar. 26 to Apr. 15

Central Subway Construction Look Ahead
March 26, 2011 to April 15, 2011
(PDF available: Contract 1251 March 26-April 15 Look Ahead)

Utility Relocation for the Union Square/Market Street Station

Sewer installation on O'Farrell Street

Sewer installation on O'Farrell Street

Sewer installation on Geary Street

Sewer installation on Geary Street

Sewer installation on O'Farrell Street

Sewer installation on O'Farrell Street


  • Geary Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • Geary Street (east side of Stockton Street): Excavation of high pressure water line
  • O’Farrell Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • East side of Stockton Street (Geary to O’Farrell streets): Installation of structural wall
Macy's Mens

Macy's Mens

Night work in front of Macy's Mens

Night work in front of Macy's Mens

Night work in front of Macy's Mens

Night work in front of Macy's Mens

Construction is scheduled for seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although night work may be necessary. Noise and dust will be kept to a minimum and the construction team will work to maintain a clean streetscape during and outside of construction hours.

The businesses along the construction route will remain open. The contractor will always maintain safe pedestrian access to all stores during business hours. Those traveling or working in the area can expect an increase in noise, dust and traffic as a result of the construction.

Standard traffic signs will be used to detour pedestrian and vehicle traffic and variable message signs have been placed on Geary Street, O’Farrell Street and Stockton Street to inform approaching traffic of detour routes.

Traffic Impacts

• At all times only one lane of traffic will be available on Stockton Street between Sutter and Market streets.

• The open lane of traffic on Stockton Street will be available for Muni buses, taxis, tour buses and delivery trucks only.

• All private automobiles going to 4th Street and other SoMa destinations will be required to take one of two detours.

Two traffic detour options are in place to allow better access to the Union Square area and to aid the flow of traffic:

o Option 1: Divert west on Sutter Street, south on Mason Street, east on Eddy Street, south on Cyril Magnin Street, continue south across Market Street onto 5th Street, east on Folsom Street and south on 4th Street or

o Option 2: Divert east on Post Street, south on Montgomery Street to New Montgomery Street, west on Howard Street and south on 4th Street.

• Parking Control Officers will be on hand to monitor traffic.

• Garages within the construction zone are open and accessible.

Muni Service Impacts
During the utility relocation, the following Muni routes may experience delays, but will continue their normal routes on Stockton Street:

o 8X/8AX/8BX Bayshore Express
o 30 Stockton
o 45 Union-Stockton

Contacts
If you have any questions about the Central Subway project or construction, please call External Affairs Manager Brajah Norris and the Central Subway Outreach Team at 415-701-4371 or via e-mail at central.subway@sfmta.com. Project information is available at www.sfmta.com/central, the Central Subway blog, or via Twitter (@central_subway) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralsubway).

Geary Street

(East of Stockton Street)

Excavation of high pressure water line

10 March 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Construction Schedule Mar. 7 – Mar. 25

Central Subway Construction Look Ahead
March 7, 2011 to March 25, 2011
(PDF available: Contract 1251 March 7 Look Ahead)

Utility Relocation for the Union Square/Market Street Station

  • Geary Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • O’Farrell Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • East side of Stockton Street (Geary to O’Farrell streets): Continuation of basement demolition

Construction is scheduled for seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although night work may be necessary. Noise and dust will be kept to a minimum and the construction team will work to maintain a clean streetscape during and outside of construction hours.

The businesses along the construction route will remain open. The contractor will always maintain safe pedestrian access to all stores during business hours. Those traveling or working in the area can expect an increase in noise, dust and traffic as a result of the construction.

Standard traffic signs will be used to detour pedestrian and vehicle traffic and variable message signs have been placed on Geary Street, O’Farrell Street and Stockton Street to inform approaching traffic of detour routes.

Traffic Impacts

• At all times only one lane of traffic will be available on Stockton Street between Sutter and Market streets.

• The open lane of traffic on Stockton Street will be available for Muni buses, taxis, tour buses and delivery trucks only.

• All private automobiles going to 4th Street and other SoMa destinations will be required to take one of two detours.

Two traffic detour options are in place to allow better access to the Union Square area and to aid the flow of traffic:

o Option 1: Divert west on Sutter Street, south on Mason Street, east on Eddy Street, south on Cyril Magnin Street, continue south across Market Street onto 5th Street, east on Folsom Street and south on 4th Street or

o Option 2: Divert east on Post Street, south on Montgomery Street to New Montgomery Street, west on Howard Street and south on 4th Street.

• Parking Control Officers will be on hand to monitor traffic.

• Garages within the construction zone are open and accessible.

Muni Service Impacts
During the utility relocation, the following Muni routes may experience delays, but will continue their normal routes on Stockton Street:

o 8X/8AX/8BX Bayshore Express
o 30 Stockton
o 45 Union-Stockton

Contacts
If you have any questions about the Central Subway project or construction, please call External Affairs Manager Brajah Norris and the Central Subway Outreach Team at 415-701-4371 or via e-mail at central.subway@sfmta.com. Project information is available at www.sfmta.com/central, the Central Subway blog, or via Twitter (@central_subway) or Facebook (facebook.com/centralsubway).

08 March 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Union Square Utility Relocation Update

Utility relocation for the Union Square/Market Street Station has been underway for over a month and you’ve likely seen Synergy Project Management working along Stockton Street and the adjacent sections of side streets on Geary and O’Farrell streets. They are currently digging in the middle of the streets to install sewer lines and working under the sidewalk on the east side of Stockton Street. If you are driving, please remember to use one of the detours that are in place. The construction crews are working to minimize disruption, but please follow our blog to stay informed about upcoming construction. Below are some recent photos from the Union Square area and you can see more photos on our flickr page as well.

04 March 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Local Hiring: Integral Part of the Project

Central Subway has a strong First Source Hiring program including these five San Francisco residents.

Central Subway has a strong First Source Hiring program including these San Francisco residents currently supporting the project.

The SFMTA is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that San Francisco residents, particularly those from the impacted areas, are provided the opportunity to work on this important project.

The project has been working with the City’s First Source Hiring program and City Build to provide employment to economically disadvantaged individuals. Applicants that the project has hired are from San Francisco, and we are very proud of their work and look forward to working with more individuals through the City’s programs.

An article was published yesterday, March 3, on SF Appeal that discussed the issue of local hiring for the project and concerns that San Francisco residents might have limited opportunities to seek employment on upcoming contracts.  However, the SFMTA issued a Notice to Bidders which states that the successful bidder, prior to commencing construction work, will be required to submit to SFMTA a Workforce Development Plan that includes local hiring practices.  The letter of response to Mr. Arce from SFMTA Executive Director/CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. is quoted below:

Dear Mr. Arce,

Thank you for your letter of March 2, 2011 concerning the issue of local hiring on the Central Subway Project. SFMTA is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that San Francisco residents, particularly those from the impacted areas, are provided every opportunity to work on this important project.

I. Tunneling Contract

I would first like to clarify that I did not state at the meeting of the SFMTA Board that there would be a delay in advertising the tunnel contract. I also want to impress upon you that the advertisement that has since appeared was not “hastily-crafted”, nor in response to anything related to local hire issues. Rather, SFMTA is proceeding pursuant to timelines related to Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) grant requirements.

As you noted in your letter SFMTA has advertised the Invitation for Proposals for the tunnel contract, with no reference made to “local hiring, First Source, or any plan to advance community workforce opportunities.” Indeed, all of the various regulatory requirements, including employment-related regulatory requirements, are contained in the Bid specifications.

However, in order to clarify our commitment to San Francisco residents, please be advised that SFMTA issued a Notice to Bidders (a copy of which is attached) which states that the successful bidder, prior to commencing construction work, will be required to submit to SFMTA a Workforce Development Plan (“Plan”).

The required Plan will detail the successful bidder’s strategy for meeting the employment-related regulatory requirements that are contained in the bid specifications, including compliance with Federal, State and Local Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations, the utilization of the First Source Referral Program for economically disadvantaged individuals, the Federal employment goals for minorities and women and the State requirements for hiring apprentices.

II. Local Hiring Requirements

The Notice to Bidders makes no reference to a local hiring requirement or to the Local Hire Ordinance (“Ordinance”). SFMTA has had discussions with FTA regarding the possibility of including local hiring provisions in Central Subway contracts, but the clear response from FTA is that such provisions would be in violation of the conditions of the grant. FTA has also made clear that its grants and applicable conditions cover projects, not individual contracts. In other words, the provisions of the Ordinance calling for segregation of grant and local funds, and applying the Ordinance to the locally-funded portion of a project, is not permissible if FTA grant funds are involved.

I am unfamiliar with the facts concerning the Bayview Library project, cited in your letter. However, the likelihood is that the project is locally funded so that the provisions of the Ordinance apply. I must reiterate that such is not the case with any of the contracts that comprise the Central Subway Project.

III. SFMTA’s Commitment

Finally, let me assure you that SFMTA strongly supports the Ordinance and its purpose, and will fully enforce its requirements on our locally funded construction contracts. And even in those instances where, as with the Central Subway Project, SFMTA is prohibited from implementing local hiring provisions, our staff is committed to helping San Franciscans find work on such projects.

As an example of our long standing commitment to San Francisco, for the several contracts that made up Phase I of the Third Street Light Rail Project, 36.1% of total workforce hours were performed by San Francisco residents. That percentage exceeds what would be required under the Ordinance. Additionally, 17.9% of total workforce hours were performed by residents from the impacted areas (zip codes 94107, 94124 and 94134). SFMTA is hopeful that similar success can be achieved with the Central Subway Project.

I would again like to thank you for your letter, and I hope that my response has addressed your concerns.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.

Executive Director/CEO

04 March 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Tunnel Contract Released

Similar tunnel boring machines will be used during construction

Tunnel boring machines similar to this one will be used during construction

The SFMTA released Contract 1252 Guideway Tunnel for the Central Subway Project on Monday and requires all proposal bids by May 3 . Contract 1252 Guideway Tunnel is the largest of seven construction bid packages. The SFMTA is expecting a robust competitive process in this contract from some of the world’s largest tunneling contractors. The engineers estimated cost of this contract is $225 million.

This extension will extend the existing T Third Light Rail Line from the initial operating segment at Fourth and King streets to Chinatown on Stockton and Washington streets.  A pre-bid conference will be held on March 28 and bids are due by May 11 at 3 p.m. For more information please visit http://bit.ly/CSTunnelContract.

24 February 2011 ~ 0 Comments

CS Team at Chinese New Year Events

Central Subway staff provide info and connect with booth visitors

Central Subway staff provide info and connect with booth visitors

Central Subway volunteers celebrated the start of the Year of the Hare and supported the local community at several Chinese New Year events recently.  On Feb. 13, several runners from the Central Subway office participated in the annual YMCA Chinese New Year Fun Run which had several thousand participants.  SFMTA employee Jason Lee finished 2nd overall in the 5k race which ran through the heart of Chinatown.

Start of the YMCA Chinese New Year Run at Grant and Sacramento (Photo by Sing Tao Daily)

Start of the YMCA Chinese New Year Run at Grant and Sacramento (Photo by Sing Tao Daily)

This past weekend, volunteers from the SFMTA and Central Subway project team participated in the annual Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday night and staffed an informational booth in the Street Fair throughout the weekend alongside staff from the Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC).  The booth provided newsletters and info sheets about the project and enabled the project team to connect with community members to get the word out about the Central Subway which will have a stop in Chinatown.

Community members visit the Central Subway booth

Community members visit the Central Subway booth

There was rain for much of the Chinese New Year Festival weekend, but no matter what the weather throws at us, we are excited about the prospects that this year holds for the Central Subway.  We appreciate the support we have received from governing leaders and the local community and are grateful to give back through participating in community events such as the Chinese New Year Festival. With the impending release of our tunneling contract and progression of our utility relocation efforts on Fourth Street and in Union Square, we believe that the Year of the Hare will be a great one not only for San Francisco but for the Central Subway as well!

23 February 2011 ~ 0 Comments

Construction Schedule Feb. 21-Mar. 6

Central Subway Construction Look Ahead
February 21, 2011 to March 6, 2011
(PDF available: Contract 1251 Feb. 21 Look Ahead)

Utility Relocation for the Union Square/Market Street Station

  • Geary Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • O’Farrell Street (east and west side of Stockton Street): Continuation of sewer installation
  • East side of Stockton Street (Geary to O’Farrell streets): Continuation of basement demolition

Construction is scheduled for seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although night work may be necessary. Noise and dust will be kept to a minimum and the construction team will work to maintain a clean streetscape during and outside of construction hours.

The businesses along the construction route will remain open. The contractor will always maintain safe pedestrian access to all stores during business hours. Those traveling or working in the area can expect an increase in noise, dust and traffic as a result of the construction.

Standard traffic signs will be used to detour pedestrian and vehicle traffic and variable message signs have been placed on Geary Street, O’Farrell Street and Stockton Street to inform approaching traffic of detour routes. Detour signs will include directions to nearby parking garages.

Traffic Impacts

• At all times only one lane of traffic will be available on Stockton Street between Sutter and Market streets.

• The open lane of traffic on Stockton Street will be available for Muni buses, taxis, tour buses and delivery trucks only.

• All private automobiles going to 4th Street and other SoMa destinations will be required to take one of two detours.

Two traffic detour options will be in place to allow better access to the Union Square area and to aid the flow of traffic (see graphic at the bottom of this construction update):

o Option 1: Divert west on Sutter Street, south on Mason Street, east on Eddy Street, south on Cyril Magnin Street, continue south across Market Street onto 5th Street, east on Folsom Street and south on 4th Street or

o Option 2: Divert east on Post Street, south on Montgomery Street to New Montgomery Street, west on Howard Street and south on 4th Street.

• Parking Control Officers will be on hand to monitor traffic.

• Garages within the construction zone will be open and accessible.

Muni Service Impacts
During the utility relocation, the following Muni routes may experience delays, but will continue their normal routes on Stockton Street:

o 8X Bayshore Express
o 30 Stockton
o 45 Union-Stockton

Contacts
If you have any questions about the Central Subway project or construction, please call External Affairs Manager Brajah Norris and the Central Subway Outreach Team at 415-701-4371 or via e-mail at central.subway@sfmta.com. Project information is available at www.sfmta.com/central, the Central Subway blog, or via Twitter (@central_subway) or Facebook (facebook.com/centralsubway).

Suggested Traffic Detours

Download the map with more details (PDF) for the detour routes shown below.

Suggested Detour Routes

Suggested Detour Routes