Metrolinx, IO issue RFPs for Lakeshore East line upgrades

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a request for proposals (RFP) to five prequalified teams to build and finance infrastructure upgrades on GO Transit's Lakeshore East line.

The scope of work includes two grade separations, track grading and drainage work and utility relocation along the central segment of the Lakeshore East corridor.

The five teams are EllisDon Infrastructure Transit, SNC-Lavalin Team, Dragados Canada Inc., Steelhead Constructors and Lakeshore Rail Construction Partners.

IO expects to announce the winning proposal in winter 2018.

The Lakeshore East upgrades are needed to accommodate a planned rail service expansion as part of the CA$21.3 billion GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

Metrolinx and IO are electrifying core segments of the GO Transit rail network to boost service frequency. The agencies aim to expand weekly GO train trips from 1,500 to nearly 6,000 by 2024 or 2025.

Meanwhile, IO and Metrolinx issued a request for qualifications for a team to design, build and finance a project to upgrade 22 existing stations as part of GO RER. The chosen team would perform upgrades to the stations' buildings, platforms and signage.

The winning bidder also would improve passenger pickup and drop-off areas.

To learn more about the GO RER program, read this feature from Progressive Railroading's April issue.