Inside BART's New West Dublin/Pleasanton Station

The smell of wet paint still lingers in the air at the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, which opens to the public Feb. 19.

But media outlets were allowed inside the new station Friday afternoon for a tour.

The project was delayed last year after Caltrans found that the welding process used for building a set of pedestrian bridges did not meet its standards. Caltrans monitors the bridge portions of the project because they straddle Interstate 580.

The $106.5 million project will feature a "free" area that allows people to walk from Pleasanton to Dublin without having to buy BART tickets. 

"It has been a pleasure working with the cities of Dublin and Pleasanton. They have been great partners," said John McPartland, vice president of the BART board of directors. 

The project provides a stop in the 10 miles between the Castro Valley and the Dublin/Pleasanton station and gives riders closer access to Stoneridge mall, which sits within easy walking distance of the new station.

A parking garage on the Pleasanton side has 460 spots, while another on the Dublin side of the station has about 700 spots. Commuters can purchase monthly reserved parking permits for $63 by visiting BART's website. 

A ceremony at the station will be held Feb. 18.