Metrolinx looking for construction ‘partner’ for Bowmanville GO Transit Extension
Published June 29, 2022 at 12:19 pm
There has been a lot of talk and no shortage of promises as to when GO Train service will be extended into Bowmanville, but we are finally now seeing some action.
Metrolinx has already started the process of hiring a construction partner for the required rail infrastructure for the Bowmanville Extension project, with a Request for Proposals issued in April.
The model Metrolinx is going for allows for a collaborative approach between the construction manager who comes onboard in the design stage of the project to assist with early problem solving, reducing the potential for risks during the construction stage of the project.
During the design stage, the contractor works closely with Metrolinx on potential solutions to design challenges – allowing for innovation, efficiency, and quality management throughout the design process.
Near the end of the design stage, the contractor will provide an estimated construction schedule and associated costs for the proposed work – at which time, Metrolinx and the contractor will negotiate terms of a construction contract, including a target price, or guaranteed maximum price for the construction stage of the work.
As the scope of work for the Bowmanville Extension is very complex, this model allows the contractor to be engaged early in the design process, increasing efficiency of construction staging and sequencing, and providing better cost certainty for the work.
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Construction is anticipated to kick off following the design phase.
The start of procurement for a construction partner is a positive sign for extending GO rail service east of Oshawa into Bowmanville, not to mention kick-starting development around the four new stations valued at $1.1 billion, and the estimated 21,000 permanent new jobs expected to be created.
Once the construction is complete transit users will be able to enjoy express service between Union Station and Bowmanville every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly during non-peak times.
Metrolinx then moved on to the Preliminary Design Business Case, which is the next step in the planning process. Under the Preliminary Design Business Case, all new stations along the Bowmanville Extension (Thornton’s Corners East, Ritson Road, Courtice, and Bowmanville) will be pursued through Metrolinx and the Province’s Transit Oriented Communities program.
The program is higher density, mixed-use development that is connected, or within a short walk of transit stations and stops. This type of development is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion, increase housing supply and jobs with access to transit to maximize transit investment while reducing taxpayer burden.
Metrolinx will be hosting a public information centre on the Bowmanville Extension later this year.
