Infrastructure Ontario issues RFP for Metrolinx rail tunnel

Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have issued a request for proposals (RFP) to three shortlisted teams to design, build and finance the Highway 401 rail tunnel project in Toronto.

The scope of the project includes construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two tracks, future signaling and communications infrastructure, IO officials said in a press release.

The chosen team also will replace footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 to eastbound Highway 401.

The three shortlisted teams are:
• Kiewit, led by Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co.;
• TK Link, led by Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc. and Dragados Canada Inc. and
• Toronto Tunnel Partners, led by EllisDon Capital Inc. and STRABAG Inc.

The project will accommodate GO Transit expansion along the Kitchener Corridor as part of Metrolinx's Regional Express Rail program, which calls for electrifying core segments of the GO rail network.

"The Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project will make it possible to allow all-day, two-way, 15-minute service on core segments of the network," said Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig.

Metrolinx and IO in September 2016 issued a request for qualifications for companies to work on the Highway 401 rail tunnel project.