The VTA board authorized the purchase of a high-tech tunnel boring machine for a massive underground train line under downtown from Berryessa to Diridon Station.

The first contract package, for the tunnel and trackwork, for $235 million, has been awarded to Kiewit Shea Traylor

The VTA had said in February that it would not update its anticipated cost and schedule for the project until it awards four major contracts, including one for tunneling and trackwork slated to be finalized this summer.

The development shrinks the longstanding East San Jose flea market to five acres, one-third of its original size, leaving many of the 430 vendors worried that they will be squeezed out. 

The San Jose City Council District 4 race could be close, considering how 2016’s election came down to 12 votes.

The long-awaited work to extend BART from Fremont to Berryessa begins today with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring many of Silicon Valley’s most prominent political officials. The event has been a long time coming, and shovels should enter the ground this afternoon.

The local construction industry had a bone thrown its way Tuesday, as the first portion of a BART extension project has received federal support, according to a San Jose Business Journal report.