Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build and finance the Lakeshore West Corridor Infrastructure Improvements project. The infrastructure upgrades are required to accommodate the planned expansion of GO Transit rail service on the Lakeshore West line. GO Transit is the regional public rail system for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), in Southern Ontario. The Lakeshore West line runs from Union Station in Toronto to Hamilton, with summer weekend and holiday excursion service extending to Niagara Falls. 

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes: Exhibition station in-corridor enabling works and track improvements; Long Branch station improvements and accessibility; Clarkson station in-corridor enabling works; Kerr Street grade separation; Bronte station in-corridor enabling works; Burloak Drive grade separation; Drury Lane pedestrian bridge replacement; Lewis Road layover facility-phase II expansion.

This project is part of Metrolinx's planned expansion of GO Transit rail service in support of GO Regional Express Rail (RER). GO RER will provide faster, more frequent and more convenient transit service across the GTHA, including electrification of core segments of the GO rail network by 2024-25. The program will provide new travel choices for commuters, significantly increase transit ridership, cut journey times and help manage congestion across the GTHA.

Major infrastructure updates are required to bring this level of service to communities across the region, including: modifying GO stations, improving rail crossings, building required systems for electrification, and adding new locomotives and train control systems.

The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals early next year. For more information, see the Business Opportunity.

The project is being delivered using IO's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model, an innovative way of financing and procuring large, complex public infrastructure projects.

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation, said:

“The sum total of this work will mean more and better GO service for people along the Lakeshore West GO line. These improvements and upgrades are the next step in our plan to increase GO service across the GTHA. We are always looking for new ways to provide a better experience for commuters, and we are doing this by investing in the transit and transportation system that they deserve.”

Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure, commented:

“GO Regional Express Rail will significantly improve transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, raising the level of service and providing commuters with added choice and convenience. Shorter journey times will not only help transit users, they will lead to increased transit ridership and help manage congestion across the entire region.”