Toronto's Largest Transit Project Continues Moving Forward
Transit Industry Expresses Interest in Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario today announced the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project is one step closer with the release of a request for proposals to the consortia pre-qualified to deliver the balance of the Crosstown project, an integrated system consisting of stations, trackworks, signaling, communications and other required infrastructure.
A thorough request for qualifications process qualified two consortia: Crosslinx Transit Solutions and Crosstown Transit Partners. They have been invited to submit formal proposals for the Crosstown's integrated system project. Consisting of more than 30 companies, the consortia have extensive experience and expertise building large transit projects globally and in Canada, including the Confederation LRT Line in Ottawa, the spur line for the Union Pearson Express in Toronto, and the Evergreen Line in Vancouver.
The consortia prime team members include:
| Crosslinx Transit Solutions | Crosstown Transit Partners | |||
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The Crosstown will run across Eglinton Avenue between Mount Dennis (Weston Road) and Kennedy Station. The 19-kilometre corridor will include a more than 10-kilometre underground portion between Keele Street and Laird Drive. It will have 25 stations and stops, linking to bus routes, three subway stations and various GO Transit lines.
The Crosstown represents a $5.3 billion (2010) transit improvement investment - the largest in the history of the region. When in service, the Crosstown will bring fast, reliable and comfortable transit to Toronto residents, integrate transit services and create tens of thousands of design and construction jobs. Construction on the Crosstown began in 2011 with the west launch area at Black Creek Drive and Eglinton Avenue. Tunneling from the west began in June 2013 and two tunnel boring machines are in operation. In November 2013, the east tunnels contract was awarded and construction on the east launch area east of Brentcliffe Road will begin in early 2014.
As part of their bid proposals, qualified consortia must include plans for increasing apprenticeship training on the Crosstown, providing significant opportunities for local companies, and ensuring design excellence and community benefits. A copy of the request for proposals is posted at www.infrastructureontario.ca.
Qualified consortia will spend most of 2014 planning and preparing their teams and proposals to design, construct, and finance the project's construction, as well to maintain the stations and trackwork over a 30-year period.
Infrastructure Ontario is managing the procurement of the Crosstown's integrated system and Metrolinx will oversee detailed design and construction to ensure that the winning team fulfills all of its obligations under the project agreement. The TTC will operate the LRT lines under an operating agreement with Metrolinx.
For more information about Metrolinx's transit plans, explore www.metrolinx.com. To learn more about Infrastructure Ontario, visit www.infrastructureontario.ca.
Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure projects on time and on budget. Over the last seven years, the province has applied the alternative financing and procurement model to 87 major projects valued at approximately $42 billion dollars. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.
Metrolinx is the Province of Ontario's regional transportation agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Currently, Metrolinx has $16 billion worth of projects underway that will make up an extensive network of regional rapid transit projects. The Eglinton Crosstown Project is a key project identified in The Big Move, the regional transportation plan for the GTHA. For more information, go to www.metrolinx.com.
Quotes:
"The new Eglinton Crosstown LRT supports our commitment to improve public transit service for commuters in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. This is a crucial piece of transit infrastructure that will serve the region's increasing population and help strengthen the economy."
— Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure
"This project represents the largest transit investment in Canada, bringing 19-kilometres of light rail transit to Toronto connecting the east and west ends of Eglinton Avenue. The Crosstown will provide an integral transit service for commuters, while helping to improve the efficiency of public transit in the Toronto area."
— Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx, President and CEO
The Ontario Construction Secretariat supports Infrastructure Ontario's initiative to provide good jobs for today and at the same time build the skilled workforce of tomorrow. By requiring contractors to maximize the use of registered apprentices, young workers will have more opportunities to gain the skills required to successfully complete their training and enhance the competitiveness of the Ontario economy. Local knowledge requirements will deliver economic benefits, community benefits and the expertise to keep this project on time and on budget.
— Sean W. Strickland, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Construction Secretariat
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SOURCE: Infrastructure Ontario
Paulette den Elzen
Infrastructure Ontario
416-327-5764
Anne Marie Aikins
Media Relations
Metrolinx
416-202-5796
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