Toronto’s largest transit project continues moving forward

Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario announced Dec. 20 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:

Crosstown Transit Partners

• Fengate Capital Management Ltd.
• OHL Concesiones S.A.
• STRABAG Inc
• Bechtel Development Company, Inc.
• Obayashi Canada Holdings, Ltd.

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.