Invitation to tender, deadline 1st October, 2008 for construction of the new Crystal Springs bypass (Polhemus) tunnel in San Mateo County. The contract consists of the excavation and construction of approximately 1,380 m length of tunnel and associated shafts, initial lining, and monitoring instrumentation/system and other associated works. The project is expected to employ a tunnel boring machine. Contact San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Contract services, tel. +1 4155514603, e-mail rfp@sfwater.org. Visit http://sfwater.org/custom/bid/detailbyplan.cfm/bidid/2423/bidtype/1/MC_ID/15/MSC_ID/149/MTO_ID/331 39/08. The currently prequalified contractors are listed at http://sfwater.org/msc_main.cfm/MC_ID/15/MSC_ID/150 clicking on SFPUC Pre-Qualified Contractors (the list of approved contractors can be found at the bottom of the page). 39/08.The SFPUC selected Jacobs Associates on 27th May to perform construction management services for the project. The 1,380 m new Crystal Springs bypass tunnel (NCSBT) will replace the existing Crystal Springs bypass pipeline and will provide residents in the southern San Francisco area with a more reliable drinking water pipeline. This tunnel project is part of the SFPUC's USD4.3 billion capital improvement programme to repair and seismically upgrade their aging pipelines, tunnels, reservoirs and dams that provide drinking water to more than 2.4 million customers in the San Francisco Bay area. The bedrock is within the Franciscan complex, classified as melange and sandstones. Under San Mateo Creek, the tunnel may require pre-grouting. The primary liner will be precast concrete segmental lining and the secondary liner a 2.44 m ID welded steel pipe. The estimated cost of the project is USD57 million. Construction is set to start in October 2008. Visit www.jacobssf.com 39/08.