Metrolinx, operator of GO Transit, has announced the selection of a construction manager for the Bowmanville GO train extension, bringing the GO train service to communities beyond Oshawa another step closer to fruition.
Metrolinx has selected Bowmanville Construction Partners (BCP) as the construction manager that will come on-board to help inform the detailed design and provide construction management advice for the Bowmanville Extension project, said a company statement.
BCP is a general partnership between Ledcor CMI Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc.
This procurement process began in Fall 2022.
The Bowmanville Extension will extend the Lakeshore East GO Line nearly 20 kilometers to Bowmanville. With nearly 17,000 daily trips expected by 2041, the extension will connect more of Durham Region to fast two-way, all-day rail service.
The Bowmanville Extension project includes:
- New track and signal infrastructure
- Seven new bridges, including a new rail alignment over Highway 401
- Bridge reconstruction and existing bridge modifications
- Utility relocations
- At-grade crossing upgrades
The Bowmanville Extension is a compliment to the larger GO Expansion program.
What will the construction manager do?
During the development stage, the construction manager will work closely with Metrolinx on potential solutions to design challenges. This reduces the risk of potential delays and will help get the project built faster.
It also allows for greater innovation, efficiency, and quality management throughout the design process.
For example, construction managers have an expertise in construction means and methods, so they can provide early advice on access points and laydown areas for the project, helping get shovels in the ground quicker.
Near the end of the development stage, the construction manager will provide an estimated construction schedule and a target price for the proposed work. Metrolinx and the construction manager will then negotiate terms of a construction contract, including costs and other logistics.
Transit oriented communities
Metrolinx continues to advance discussions with third parties to deliver the four GO stations proposed for Thornton’s Corners East, Ritson Road, Courtice and Bowmanville through the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program along the Bowmanville Extension.
The TOC program seeks to leverage the value of Metrolinx’s transit network and service to have third parties fund the design and construction of new GO station infrastructure for Metrolinx to own and operate.
Next Steps
Now that a team has been selected, detailed design will begin as part of the development phase.
During the development phase the construction manager would support the following activities:
- Provide engineering feedback throughout the design process
- Provide construction advisory services during the design development to mitigate constructability issues and re-work
- Identify additional due diligence requirements to reduce risk of unknowns that might arise during construction
- Identify potential early works that could be completed to streamline major civil works
- Obtain more accurate cost and schedule estimates for the work to be completed, leveraging real time market and supply chain data
Metrolinx has updated environmental studies for the project and will be seeking community input as part of the Transit Project Assessment Process Environmental Project Report (EPR) addendum.
The virtual public information centre was held from June 8 until June 21. In case you missed it, a recording of the open house held on June 14 is available to watch on the project webpage.