The City of Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada) has launched the request for proposals (RFP) for the North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Replacement PPP project.

Seven applicant teams responded to the request for qualifications (RFQ) launched in mid June. Three consortia were finally shortlisted to participate in the RFP process:

• Bridge City Infrastructure Group: Aecon Concessions, Bank of Nova Scotia, CH2M Hill Canada Ltd., Flatiron Constructors Canada Limited, Hatch Mott MacDonald Ltd., Hochtief PPP Solutions North America Inc., P. Machibroda Engineering Ltd., and Volker Stevin Highways Ltd.
• Bridge City Partners: Acciona Concessions Canada, AECOM, DIF Infra 3 Canada,  Mainroad Holdings Ltd., Natixis, and Pacer Projects Corp.
• Graham Commuter Partners: ASL Paving, BBGI, Buckland & Taylor, Clifton, Gracorp Capital Partners LP,Graham Infrastructure, National Bank Financial, and Tetra Tech.

Teams will have until summer 2015 to respond to the RFP. It is expected the project agreement will be in place with the preferred proponent by November 2015. Based on an estimated design and construction starting date of fall 2015, a completion date for the project has been set for late 2018.

The project involves the replacement of the 107-year-old Traffic Bridge in the City's downtown core, the development of a new bridge crossing in the City's north end, as well as connecting roadways.

The project will be developed on a design, build, finance, operation and maintenance (DBFOM) basis. The contract will have a period of 30 years.

The estimated capital cost of the North Commuter Parkway is CAD$211.4 million, and the estimated cost to replace the Traffic Bridge is CAD$41.2 million. The total estimated capital cost to construct Parkway and replace the Traffic Bridge is CAD$252.6 million (US$217.6 million).

The North Commuter Parkway project will link the Marquis Industrial area with the University Heights area, by extending Marquis Drive across the South Saskatchewan River and connecting to McOrmond Drive at Fedoruk Drive. Traffic volume on opening day is expected to range from 14,600 to 21,700 vehicles per day.