Ontario takes next steps to extend GO system
By Adam Freill
Construction InfrastructureEarly-stage contract for infrastructure planning of Bowmanville Extension awarded to Bowmanville Construction Partners.
(Artist concept courtesy of Ministry of Transportation, Province of Ontario)
Ontario is investing $730 million to extend the Lakeshore East GO line further into Durham Region, bringing two-way all-day GO train service to Bowmanville. With nearly 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million annual boardings expected by 2041, the province says the Bowmanville Extension will connect more people to jobs and places while reducing travel times across the region.
Bowmanville Construction Partners (BCP), a general partnership between Ledcor CMI Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc., has been awarded an early-stage contract to advance infrastructure planning on the extension.
“This contract brings us one step closer to extending the Lakeshore East GO line further into Durham Region, bringing GO train service to the people of Bowmanville for the first time,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is supporting the largest transit expansion in North America, reducing gridlock, cutting commute times and improving the movement of people and goods throughout the province.”
“As more people call Ontario home, our government is making sure communities have access to fast, frequent and reliable transit,” added Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “By expanding our transportation network, we’re fighting gridlock, driving economic growth and attracting more jobs and investments to our province.”
(Artist concept courtesy of Ministry of Transportation, Province of Ontario)
The early-stage infrastructure planning contract will support the nearly 20-kilometre extension project, which includes new tracks and signals, seven new bridges and at-grade crossing upgrades.
The Bowmanville Extension is part of a planned GO expansion program on the Lakeshore East Line that aims to provide 15-minute or better service, all day in both directions, between Oshawa GO and Union Station and peak weekday service every 30 minutes between Bowmanville and Union Station.
“This exciting milestone brings us closer to creating stronger connections between Durham Region and the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” stated Phil Verster, president and CEO of Metrolinx. “When complete, this project will reduce commute times between Bowmanville and Union Station by 15 minutes and provide increased network connectivity across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
A virtual Public Information Centre is currently ongoing on the Bowmanville Extension Environmental Project Report (ERP) Addendum. Materials are available online for review and comment until June 21.
