More track work on Taraval project won’t delay finish date, officials say

Reporting from THE PARKSIDE

Construction crews working on a project that has caused headaches for merchants on Taraval Street will need to head back to a segment of the project already completed in July 2021, transit officials said earlier this month.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors earlier this month approved a contract change with NTK Construction Inc. for additional work for the L Taraval Improvement Project. The work will include replacing a half grand union junction at 46th Avenue and Taraval Street. The change will increase the contract amount by approximately $4.7 million to a new contract of $65.2 million.

Aidin Sarabi, the agency’s director of capital programs and construction director, said the additional work will not increase the project’s timeline for completion, which is anticipated for the fall of this year.

Working along with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the SFMTA-led project on Taraval includes replacing old sewer and water main pipes and worn-out rail and overhead wires used by the L Taraval rail line. The agency divided the project into two segments — segment A from the Zoo to Sunset Boulevard and segment B from Sunset Boulevard to West Portal.

Sarabi said more than 95 percent of the sewer and water main work was complete and that 80 percent of the rail installation was completed. Construction crews are currently working on the second segment of the project.

During the construction of the project, Sarabi added that the agency was monitoring and inspecting elements of the project and found that the track needed to be replaced.

Sarabi said it was best for the agency to work on the special track now instead of a standalone project in a few years which will cost more later on. He added that the current construction company replacing the rail already has experience in the work.

Director of Transit Julie Kirschbaum said the agency found the special track showing a crack and “visible wear.”

Board Director Fiona Hinze questioned why the special trackwork needed in the completed first segment was not originally included in the scope of work.

Kirschbaum hinted that cost could have been a factor in not including the work original scope of work. She added that the work will inconvenience businesses and residents at 46th Avenue for approximately five weeks.

Businesses along the project have been impacted by construction, merchants said to city leaders. Merchants have sought financial relief from the city.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 5 gave final approval to spend $1 million from excess funds not spent for the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation and put the funds in a transit relief fund for Taraval merchants impacted by the Taraval Street project.