Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have announced progress to design, build and finance the Union Station Enhancement project continues with the prequalification of two teams.

Infrastructure upgrades are required to accommodate the planned expansion of GO Transit rail service, which link into Union Station as the major transit hub in the City of Toronto.

Teams were selected based on criteria identified in the Request for Qualification (RFQ) process including, applicable design and construction experience and capacity to finance a project of this size and complexity.

The prequalified teams are:

• EllisDon Infrastructure Transit
  • Constructor: EllisDon Civil Ltd.
  • Designer: AECOM Canada Ltd.
  • Financial Advisor: EllisDon Capital
• Graham Construction Rail Solutions
  • Constructor: Graham Construction & Engineering LP
  • Designer: RJC Engineers
  • Financial Advisor: Graham Capital Partners

This project is part of Metrolinx's work in support of GO Regional Express Rail (RER). GO RER will provide faster, more frequent and more convenient transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (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 Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

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

Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure, said:

“The Union Station Enhancement project is key to the expansion of rail services under the Regional Express Rail initiative. Our government recognizes the importance of these types of transit improvements because they keep people and goods moving, keep communities growing, and help build Ontario up.”

John Jensen, President and CEO, Metrolinx, stated:

“Union Station represents the heart of our operations and I am pleased that we are moving forward with the next step toward updating this historical facility, preparing for increased GO service through the Regional Express Rail program, and improving the customer experience.”

Ehren Cory, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario, added:

“The Union Station Enhancement project is an important component in the delivery of the RER program. IO is pleased to announce the pre-qualification of these two teams and we look forward continuing to progress this important AFP project.”

As we reported, both teams have also been prequalified for the Lakeshore East - East Corridor Expansion project. The infrastructure upgrades are required to accommodate the planned expansion of GO Transit rail service on the Lakeshore East line.