Union Pearson Express contract signals 100% of construction underway

Metrolinx has awarded the contract for the Union Pearson (UP) Express station at Union Station to EllisDon. This is a signficant step as it means all construction components of the express rail service are now underway. A key element of The Big Move, Metrolinx’s regional transportation plan, the project remains on budget and on schedule to be operational in time for the XVII Pan/ParaPan American Games in summer 2015.

“To have all the components of the project construction underway marks a significant milestone in the delivery of UP Express,” said Kathy Haley, president, UP Express. “We are less than two years away from launching the UP Express, which will transform the way Torontonians experience our city and the way the world experiences Toronto.”

Additional elements of the project already underway include: construction of the 3 km spur line–connecting GO Transit’s Kitchener rail line and Toronto’s Pearson Airport (over 50 per cent complete), building the UP Express station at Terminal 1, upgrades and improvements to Bloor and Weston GO stations, expansion and changes to the Kitchener rail line, manufacturing of UP Express shuttle vehicles and corridor work to facilitate the track and signals required.

The $23,804,296 contract with EllisDon Corporation includes the construction of the UP Express station and platform at Union Station, which will include a fully enclosed platform dedicated to UP Express service, a platform edge protection door system, customer service desk, ample seating, automated ticket vending machines, fare card validators and accessible washrooms. There will be a mezzanine level with additional customer space as well as back-office space for staff and train crews.

The new platform and station will connect UP Express service to the busiest transportation hub in the country and seamlessly integrate with GO Transit, TTC and VIA services already available at Union Station. The station will be located within the existing Skywalk, immediately west of the Union Station train shed. It is anticipated that the construction of the various components of UP Express spur line will support and create more than 1,225 jobs. The Union Pearson Express is fully funded by the Government of Ontario.