Port of Oakland - Newsroom

OAKLAND, Calif (March 28, 2002) - Today, the BART Board of Directors approved all the steps required to allow the BART - Oakland International Airport Connector project to move forward into design and construction.

The BART Board adopted the recommended project, certified the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement, and authorized BART's General Manager to proceed with implementation plans. The Port of Oakland and the City of Oakland are two of the key partners in the coalition that has worked to bring this project to realization.

Port of Oakland's Director of Aviation, Steve Grossman said, "The Connector will enhance the $1.4 billion being invested in airport expansion and upgrades. This new link will truly make Oakland International Airport more accessible and convenient to the entire Bay Area."

The Board adopted the staff recommendation to approve the Automated Guideway Transit alternative for the Connector that will allow riders to move along rapidly above traffic. The Connector will be a 3-mile link from the Coliseum BART station, constructed on a raised track system.

Port of Oakland Planner Steve Gregory stated, "The Connector will provide a fast, reliable, and convenient alternative to driving on congested roadways to and from Oakland International Airport. It will also serve businesses and residences in the vicinity of the Hegenberger - 98th Ave. corridor."

Oakland International Airport is the principal gateway to Oakland and the East Bay for visitors from outside the region. The Connector is an integral part of that gateway, linking the Airport with the transportation network that accesses Oakland, the East Bay and the entire Bay Area. The Connector will also link the Airport with a revitalized East Oakland. It will directly access the Oakland Coliseum Station Area Development Project, which is planned as the cornerstone of major new commercial, industrial and residential development in the area.

A design/build contract for the Connector is scheduled for award in 2004 and the system should begin operation in 2008.

At the BART Board meeting Sylvester Grigsby, representing the East Oakland community, said, "This project is an Academy Award winner for the City of Oakland."


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