The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Extension has been long slated for expansion to complete its path encircling the Bay Area, providing affordable mass transit to the region’s 7.7 million residents. As one might imagine, the planning, development, and construction of such an expansion is a complex and costly project. In 2019, construction began on the Silicon Valley Phase II BART extension, first connecting the existing Fremont station to Milpitas. BART now runs to the first station in north San Jose and in the future will connect through east and downtown San Jose before ending in neighboring Santa Clara. BART’s journey to San Jose has been a long one; the rail extension to downtown San Jose is now targeted for completion in 2034.

Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California has appraised several properties throughout downtown San Jose as the Valley Transit Authority (VTA) prepares to take portions or entire parcels via eminent domain. The valuation of these takings included temporary construction easements, partial acquisitions, and whole acquisitions. In particular, the tunnel boring along the main thoroughfare of downtown San Jose, Santa Clara Street, and in the neighborhood to the west approaching San Jose Diridon Station has required extensive engineering. In addition to surface rights, Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California valued subterranean easements for exclusive tunnels for the six-mile, 55-foot-wide tunnel that will range in depth from 80 to 130 feet below the street’s surface.

Easement valuations associated with eminent domain are among Valbridge Property Advisors’ specialties. Contact our team in your local market area for assistance with these complex projects.