Oakland International Airport (OAK) now has a direct link to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.
The recently opened BART to OAK connector is a 3.2-mile rail extension from the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART Station to Oakland International Airport via an “automated guideway transit (AGT)” system. The cable-propelled system - comprised of more than 350 tons of structural steel supported by concrete columns over the highway’s northbound and southbound lanes - provides a seamless connection between BART and the airport with driverless trains that provide eight-minute trips and depart every four minutes.
The project uses a combination of hollow structural sections (HSS) and plate diaphragms to create a light and beautiful structure. San Leandro, Calif.-based Olson Steel (an AISC Member/Certified fabricator and Advanced Certified Steel Erector) handled all steel-related construction associated with the stations, canopies, cantilevered walkways, stairs, perforated metal panels, decorative grating, windscreen system and stainless steel wall rail, as well as the pedestrian bridge framing and erection. Turner Construction built the vertical elements and stations for the project.
For additional photos and a video from the project’s grand opening, visit http://mtc.ca.gov/news/video/bart-to-oak.htm. And if you’re traveling through OAK this Memorial Day weekend, you’ve got a new option for getting to and from the airport.
Construction photo: Courtesy of Olson Steel