TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Metrolinx will upgrade and modernize the entire signalling system within the Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC) starting next year – a transformational improvement that will provide long-term benefits to both transit operations and customers.
Replacing the signalling system within the USRC is part of Metrolinx's overall Signalling and Train Control Improvement Program, and the next phase of an overall revitalization of the USRC that will improve service reliability, eliminate track bottlenecks, increase train speeds and reduce operating costs. Most critically, the upgrades to the more than 80-year-old signalling system will ensure GO Transit can prepare for the anticipated doubling of ridership over the next 10-20 years. On a typical weekday, approximately 200,000 GO Transit passengers travel to and from Union Station.
Metrolinx's USRC Signalling System Project is valued at $365.5 million. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $92 million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Province of Ontario and Metrolinx are contributing the remaining amount.
Quick Facts
- Work to upgrade and install the new signalling system will begin in 2015 and is expected to be completed by 2019. These signalling improvements are one piece of Metrolinx's integrated, regional transportation plan that will help ease congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
- The USRC, running from the Don River in the east to Strachan Avenue in the west, is about 6.4 km long and contains 40 km of track, with as many as 16 tracks lined up alongside one another in the busiest part of the corridor. The corridor contains 228 signals that train engineers must follow, as well as 221 track switches that allow trains to change tracks at they move through the corridor.
- Three major contracts have been awarded to deliver this significant project: Signalling (awarded to Alstom Transport), Technical Consultant Services (awarded to Hatch Mott McDonald) and Electrical Enabling Works (awarded to Plan Group).
Quotes
"By investing in the modernization of GO Transit, our government will increase transit ridership and thereby ease traffic congestion in the GTA. It will also drive economic growth by improving the movement of goods and attracting more businesses to the GTA."
Joe Oliver
Minister of Finance
"Improvements to the Union Station signalling system mean customers will benefit from improved service reliability, making it easier for transit riders to make seamless connections, and enhancing Union Station's role as a multimodal mobility hub. This project is proof of our government's commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario families."
Steven Del Duca
Ontario Minister of Transportation
"Replacing the existing signalling system at Union Station is a major step forward for Metrolinx's overall vision of growing and building a more robust transit network. The new signalling system will provide us with the flexibility to support growth, including future electrification and regional express rail initiatives – both major priorities for Metrolinx over the next decade."
Bruce McCuaig
President and CEO, Metrolinx
Associated Links
Find out more about the opportunities in the Economic Action Plan 2014 at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2014/home-accueil-eng.html.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure: www.ontario.ca/buildingtoday.
Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated. Find out more about The Big Move, Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA. Find out more about GO Transit, PRESTO, and Union Pearson Express, divisions of Metrolinx.
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
SOURCE: Transport Canada
Vincent Rabault, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Ottawa, 613-943-1838; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; Patrick Searle, Minister's Office, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Toronto, 416-327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Toronto, 416-327-1158; Anne Marie Aikins, Media Relations, Metrolinx, 416-202-5796
Share this article