Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to build and finance the Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion – Grading Project.
The infrastructure upgrades are required to accommodate the planned increase in service on the Barrie GO line.
The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes:
- Double track expansion on the Barrie Corridor Line, including grading, between Union Station and Aurora GO Station;
- track and signals upgrades to support double track expansion;
- noise and retaining walls; and
- bridge expansions at Sheppard Ave. W., Major Mackenzie Dr. and Yonge St.
This project is part of Metrolinx’s work in support of GO Regional Express Rail (RER).
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.
The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. IO and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the relevant construction experience. Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals in fall 2017. Interested companies must register with www.merx.com to download the RFQ.
It is unclear how much the Barrie RER will cost. The province has estimated an overall $13.5 billion cost the RER expansion, including services for Kitchener/Waterloo, and the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West corridors, as well as to Barrie.
