The Scarborough Subway Extension finally moved in the right direction Wednesday morning after the Ontario government announced it’s accepting proposals for the project.
“Our government has a clear vision to build Ontario through critical transportation projects. Since announcing Ontario’s historic subway investment for the GTA, we have worked diligently to bring on board the most qualified and experienced teams to help us move forward on these vital projects,” Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, said in the release. “As we continue to advance the three-stop Scarborough Subway Extension at an unprecedented pace, we are one step closer to finally delivering rapid transit to support the families, businesses and communities of Scarborough.”
Calls for Detailed Station Plans
The major works contract for the extension, which is among four priority subway projects in the Greater Toronto Area, involves a request for the stations’ proposals and a rail and systems contract, the latter requiring three teams to submit detailed design and construction plans for the stations and emergency exit buildings, fitting the tunnel with track and signals and installing and commissioning operation systems.
The 7.8-kilometre subway extension will be delivered in through two major contracts, including with Strabag, which was awarded the tunnel contract in advance for the boring machine in May, with work slated to commence this spring.
Read: Ontario Proposes Building 'Vibrant' Transit-Oriented Communities Along Ontario Line
The federal government committed 40% of eligible costs last year, amounting to more than $10 million, for the GTA’s four subway projects, which also include the Ontario Line, Yonge North Subway Extension — which is contingent on approval from the Treasury Board — and the Eglinton crosstown West Extension.
Shortlisted for the contracts are three teams whose proposals are being reviewed by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, who will award the development contract this spring. The construction contract will be awarded around mid-2024.
The Toronto Transit Commission’s Bloor-Danfroth Line 2 is being extended by nearly 8 kilimetres from Kennedy Station to a new terminus at Sheppard Ave and McCowan Rd. The extension is estimated to serve 38,000 people and grow to 105,000 boardings by 2041.
