Veteran transit leader to support the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – (Feb. 12, 2025) Eric Olson, PE, has joined HNTB as vice president and deputy program director for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension project. With 40 years of experience leading complex, large-scale transit infrastructure projects, Olson brings exceptional expertise in program management, design-build delivery and stakeholder collaboration.
HNTB’s Eric Olson
In his new role, Olson will collaborate closely with VTA to ensure the successful delivery of the program by overseeing multiple facets of the project. His responsibilities include leading the HNTB/WSP Joint Venture program management team to provide exceptional support services, aligning team efforts with VTA’s goals and delivering key project milestones. Specifically, Olson will manage components such as engineering management services, project controls, project management, procurement and contracting strategies, guidance to position the project for federal funding opportunities, stakeholder coordination and project delivery.
“Eric’s proven leadership and expertise in delivering mega rail programs on time and budget make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Shannon Gaffney, Northern California and Nevada office leader and vice president at HNTB. “We’re thrilled to have Eric support the transformative BART Extension project, which will create sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for the Santa Clara region.”
Olson has managed and delivered several notable infrastructure projects, including the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor rail extension, the Mid-City Exposition Line, the Pasadena Gold Line Eastside extension and the Pasadena Gold Line in the Los Angeles area. Known for navigating significant project challenges, he has successfully managed projects from initial design and construction to full operational service delivery.
A licensed professional engineer in California, Olson holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California State Polytechnic University. He is an active member of the Design-Build Institute of America, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Public Transit Association.