Request for proposals stage closed for the Windsor-Essex Parkway project

TORONTO, Aug. 9 /CNW/ - The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Infrastructure Ontario today announced that the request for proposals (RFP) stage has closed for short-listed bidders to submit proposals to design, build, finance and maintain The Windsor-Essex Parkway.

Design and construction of the Parkway represents a significant economic opportunity for local workers, suppliers and contractors. Local workers are expected to have a significant role to play through various stages of the project, which will generate an estimated 12,000 project-related jobs, with the majority of the jobs in the Windsor-Essex region.

Over the next several months, Infrastructure Ontario and MTO will evaluate submissions based on criteria set out in the RFP. The successful bidder is expected to be announced later this year when the evaluation process is complete. The project cost will be announced publicly following financial close in early winter 2011 and full construction will begin later in 2011.

"Investing in our highways ensures Ontarians have access to the modern, safe and efficient infrastructure they need to prosper in their daily lives," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "The Parkway project - part of the largest highway investment in our province's history - demonstrates the McGuinty government's commitment to stimulate the economy, and create jobs and strong communities."

"We are making progress on The Windsor-Essex Parkway every day, with the first phase of construction, demolition and other preparatory work well underway," said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation. "The Parkway project will help to drive Windsor-Essex's economy and put money in the hands of families."

The Windsor-Essex Parkway is the Ontario access road portion of the proposed Detroit River International Crossing end-to-end border transportation system that will improve the flow of traffic through Canada's busiest trade corridor and will contribute to the economies of Ontario, Canada, Michigan and the United States.

The 11-kilometre freeway will separate local and international traffic and eliminate stop-and-go traffic on the way to the border. With more than 300 acres of green space, 20 kilometres of recreational trails and new community connections, residents in Windsor-Essex will enjoy an improved quality of life.

Infrastructure Ontario and MTO are working to develop The Windsor-Essex Parkway, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. It is the first Ontario road project to be delivered under Ontario's Alternative Financing and Procurement model.

MTO's goal is to be a world leader in moving people and goods safely, efficiently and sustainably, to support a globally competitive economy and a high quality of life. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.

For more information about the procurement of this project and to view the RFP, visit www.infrastructureontario.ca.

Explore The Windsor-Essex Parkway at www.weparkway.ca.

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For further information: Paulette den Elzen, Infrastructure Ontario, 416-327-5764; Heather Grondin, Windsor Border Initiatives Implementation Group, Ministry of Transportation, 519-973-7359