Request for Qualifications Issued for Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation Project

Artist's rendering of Davenport Diamond Grade Separation (CNW Group/Infrastructure Ontario)

TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation project.

This project is part of Metrolinx's work to provide faster, more frequent and convenient transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), as part of the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

The RFQ outlines the work required at the Davenport Diamond, located in Toronto along the Barrie Rail Corridor. To accommodate the planned expansion of GO Transit rail services, the scope of work includes:

• construction of a grade separation structure between the north/south GO Rail corridor and east/west CP Rail corridor to minimize delays to GO service
• implementation of a pedestrian underpass to restore east/west connection at Paton Road
• erection of retaining walls forming the approaches of the grade separation structure, topped with noise barrier walls and superimposed cladding to minimize impacts on the community
• construction of a rail guideway offset within the corridor during construction to accommodate a temporary diversion track and a temporary rail diamond
• modification of an existing at-grade road crossing at Wallace Avenue to become a road under rail grade separation
• public realm enhancements, including artwork on the structure cladding and new pedestrian and cyclist routes
• provisions for future electrification implemented within upgraded rail infrastructure to accommodate future electrified GO train service

The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. IO and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the relevant design and construction experience. Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals early in 2018. Interested companies must register with www.merx.com to download the RFQ.

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, visit Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quick Facts:

• The project is being delivered using Infrastructure Ontario's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model, which transfers risks associated with design, construction and financing of the project to the private sector.
• Work on the Davenport Diamond project is part of a larger, system-wide plan to improve overall GO Transit service, including the delivery of GO Regional Express Rail 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.

Quotes:

"The Davenport Diamond Grade Separation is a significant infrastructure project that will reduce delays and improve service on the GO rail network. It will play a crucial role in supporting GO Regional Express Rail service and the electrification of GO service on the Barrie Corridor. The improvements to the public realm that are part of the Davenport Diamond project demonstrate how the work we are doing to deliver GO RER is creating additional benefits for communities all across the GO rail network."
Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"This project will benefit thousands of commuters by offering more frequent trains and a quicker ride to work or home. Reduced car trips and increased transit ridership help to reduce traffic congestion and contribute to shorter delivery times for companies moving their products or providing services using busy GTHA highways."
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

"Metrolinx is pleased to be issuing the RFQ on the Davenport Diamond Grade Separation project. After working closely with Davenport residents and stakeholders to ensure design plans reflect local needs, Metrolinx believes that the Davenport Diamond Grade Separation will be a signature community asset that will enable faster, more frequent GO train service."
John Jensen, President and CEO, Metrolinx

"Infrastructure Ontario's proven AFP model will help deliver a number of important early works projects for GO Transit's capital programming needs, including the Davenport Diamond project."
Ehren Cory, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario

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Infrastructure Ontario    Metrolinx    RER    BuildON

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SOURCE Infrastructure Ontario

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