Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three shortlisted teams to design, build, and finance the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project. Work is required at the Highway 401/409 intersection to accommodate GO Transit expansion along the Kitchener Corridor under Metrolinx's Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

Teams were selected based on criteria identified in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process that began in September 2016. Selection criteria included design and construction experience, and the financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and complexity.

The shortlisted teams are:

Kiewit

• Proponent Lead: Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co.
• Constructor: Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Kenaidan Contracting Ltd., Obayashi Canada Ltd.
• Design: Hatch Corporation, Jacked Structures Ltd.
• Financial Advisor: Kiewit Canada Development Corp., TD Securities

TK Linx

• Proponent Lead: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc.
• Constructor: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., Technicore Underground Corp.
• Design: Arup Canada Inc, Morrison Hershfield, Peto MacCallum Ltd.
• Financial Advisor: ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Aecon Concessions

Toronto Tunnel Partners

• Proponent Lead: EllisDon Capital Inc, STRABAG Inc.
• Constructor: EllisDon Civil, STRABAG
• Design: WSP Canada Inc., Dr. Sauer & Partners, Amec Foster Wheeler
• Financial Advisor: EllisDon Capital Inc, STRABAG Inc.

The scope of work for the project includes:

• Construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two tracks, future signaling and communications infrastructure

• Replacing footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 to eastbound Highway 401

This work on the Kitchener Corridor is part of a larger, system-wide plan to improve overall GO Transit service, including the delivery of GO Regional Express Rail (RER) by 2024-25.