Infrastructure Ontario - Request for Proposals Issued for Highway 401 Rail Tunnel

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three shortlisted teams to design, build, and finance the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project. Work is required at the Highway 401/409 intersection to accommodate GO Transit expansion along the Kitchener Corridor under Metrolinx's Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

Teams were selected based on criteria identified in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process that began in September 2016. Selection criteria included design and construction experience, and the financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and complexity.

The shortlisted teams are:

Kiewit

• Proponent Lead: Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co.
• Constructor: Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Kenaidan Contracting Ltd., Obayashi Canada Ltd.
• Design: Hatch Corporation, Jacked Structures Ltd.
• Financial Advisor: Kiewit Canada Development Corp., TD Securities

TK Linx

• Proponent Lead: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc.
• Constructor: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., Technicore Underground Corp.
• Design: Arup Canada Inc, Morrison Hershfield, Peto MacCallum Ltd.
• Financial Advisor: ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Aecon Concessions

Toronto Tunnel Partners

• Proponent Lead: EllisDon Capital Inc, STRABAG Inc.
• Constructor: EllisDon Civil, STRABAG
• Design: WSP Canada Inc., Dr. Sauer & Partners, Amec Foster Wheeler
• Financial Advisor: EllisDon Capital Inc, STRABAG Inc.

Teams have been invited to respond to the RFP and will begin preparing proposals that detail how they will design, build and finance the project. Once submissions are received, IO and Metrolinx will evaluate the proposals, select a preferred proponent and then negotiate a final contract. A successful proponent is expected to be announced in fall 2017. A fairness monitor will oversee the entire procurement process.

A copy of the RFP is available at www.infrastructureontario.ca

The scope of work for the project includes:

• Construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two tracks, future signaling and communications infrastructure
• Replacing footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 to eastbound Highway 401

This work on the Kitchener Corridor is part of a larger, system-wide plan to improve overall GO Transit service, including the delivery of GO Regional Express Rail (RER) by 2024-25. To support transit improvements, Metrolinx will be undertaking major infrastructure upgrades, including additional track, GO station modifications, improved rail crossings, required systems for electrification, and new locomotives and train control systems to enable more frequent service.

Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province's history. To learn more about what's happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quick Facts:

• GO Regional Express Rail represents a historic investment in GO Transit that will provide faster, more frequent and convenient transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including introducing electrification of core segments of the GO rail network by 2024-25. GO RER will help manage congestion, connect people to jobs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car trips and improving travel times.
• IO, collaborating with Metrolinx, is leading the procurement of the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel, which is being delivered using IO's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model.
• Projects that are delivered using IO's AFP model have a track record of being 96 per cent on budget and 73 per cent on time or within one month of the scheduled substantial completion date.

Quotes:

"Our government has been steadfastly focused on delivering better transit options that will help get Ontario moving. We're making progress on GO RER and this new rail tunnel will allow for more GO service in the future. It's proof that we are committed to making your daily commute and travel faster and more convenient than ever before."
Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"The Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project in Kitchener is critical to the overall improvements to GO transit and the delivery of the GO Regional Express Rail program. Our government recognizes the importance of these types of transit improvements because they keep people and goods moving, communities growing, and help build Ontario up."
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

"The Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project will make it possible to allow all-day, two-way, 15-minute service on core segments of the network. We are pleased to reach yet another milestone in expanding the GO rail network to bring faster, more frequent rail service to the people of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area."
Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx

"With qualified proponent teams selected for the Highway 410 Rail Tunnel, we look forward to evaluating their proposals in the coming months." 
Ehren Cory, Divisional President, Project Delivery, Infrastructure Ontario

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Infrastructure Ontario
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SOURCE Infrastructure Ontario

Media Contacts: Lisa DiMenna, Infrastructure Ontario, 416-326-9378; Anne Marie Aikins, Metrolinx, 416-202-5796