In Canada, Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have selected Toronto Tunnel Partners (TTP) as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project, in support of the province’s GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program. TTP is an equal partnership joint venture between EllisDon Civil and STRABAG and was selected following an extensive procurement process that began in September of 2016. Members of TTP’s design team include WSP Canada Inc., Dr. Sauer & Partners and Amec Foster Wheeler.
The Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project is part of Metrolinx’s Regional Express Rail (RER) program to transform the GO Transit rail network and bring rapid, two-way, all-day GO service to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Construction of a second rail tunnel under Highways 401/409 will accommodate two tracks, allowing for more frequent GO rail service.
In addition to increasing capacity on the GO Kitchener Corridor, the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel will provide key infrastructure upgrades including footing modifications to the eastbound Highway 409 on-ramp, outfitting of the tunnel with mechanical and electrical support systems, storm water management upgrades and preparatory work for future track installations. Once complete, the project will eventually allow for all-day two-way electrified GO Train service between Toronto and Waterloo Region.
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“Ontario is moving forward to double capacity on the Kitchener GO Corridor. The new rail tunnel under Highways 401and 409 will support two-way, all-day service along the corridor through our GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program, making it easier and more convenient than ever before to take the GO,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation. “The new tunnel may also support future high speed rail service on this corridor.”
IO and TTP will now work to finalize contract details with financial close anticipated for December 2017. The project is slated for completion in Summer 2021.
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