Request for Qualifications Issued for Highway 401 Rail Tunnel

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build and finance the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project that will support the infrastructure needed to expand GO rail service on the Kitchener Corridor.

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes:

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

This project is part of Metrolinx's work in support of GO Regional Express Rail (RER). GO RER will provide faster, more frequent and more convenient transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including electrification of core segments of the GO rail network by 2024-25. The program will provide new travel choices for commuters, significantly increase transit ridership, cut journey times and help manage congestion across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Major infrastructure updates are required to bring this level of service to communities across the region, including: adding track, modifying GO stations, improving rail crossings, building required systems for electrification and adding new locomotives and train control systems.

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 later this year. Interested companies must register with www.merx.com to download the RFQ.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history — about $160 billion over 12 years which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit.  Since 2015, the province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quick Facts:

• Infrastructure Ontario, collaborating with Metrolinx, is leading the procurement of the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project, which is being delivered using IO's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model.

Quotes:

"Delivery of this project will bring Ontario one step closer to building the innovation corridor, which includes delivering two-way, all-day GO train service between Toronto and Waterloo Region. This project builds on our plans to strengthen the GO rail network with faster, more frequent GO train service."
Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"Regional Express Rail is an important part in connecting every corner of the province. Through the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history, we are working to build transit infrastructure so that we can create jobs and grow the economy, strengthen communities and connect people to family, friends and job opportunities. I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on this important project."
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

"The construction of a new 401 tunnel and an additional track is an important part of our plan to transform the way the region moves with two-way, all-day GO service. By providing more train trips along the Kitchener line, residents in the North Etobicoke community will have more options to get them where they need to go."
Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx

"The Highway 401 Rail Tunnel is an important component to help deliver the RER program. IO looks forward to reviewing the submissions by the market for this AFP project."
Bert Clark, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario

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SOURCE Infrastructure Ontario

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