IO, Metrolinx identify first negotiations proponents for GTA subway tunnels
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx announced on March 5 that they have named the consortia led by Strabag and Aecon to as the first negotiations proponents (FNPs) to design, build and finance the tunnels for the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension projects.
The decision means that IO and Metrolinx will work with each team to finalize the details of their RFP submissions, and ensure the province receives best-value proposals. It’s expected that the process will lead to financial close of each contract.
The Strabag team has been identified as the first negotiations proponent for the Scarborough Subway Extension advance tunnel contract. The applicant lead, construction team lead and financial advisor is Strabag, while design responsibilities will be shared by Arup Canada and Brian Isherwood & Associates Ltd.
The West End Connectors team includes applicant lead and construction team members Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., Ghella Canada Ltd. The project design team includes TYPSAInc., EXP Services Inc., Dr. G. Sauer & Partners Corporation, Pedelta Canada Inc., while its financial advisors are ACS Infrastructure Canada, Aecon Concessions, Scotiabank Capital, Ghella Investments & Partnerships
Of the shortlisted teams invited to submit bids, the FNPs were the highest ranked after the proposals were evaluated. The teams were evaluated based on criteria identified in the Request for Proposals process that began in August 2020. Criteria included design and construction methodology, approach to managing the project and the collaborative behaviours of key individuals of the Proponent teams.
The identification of Strabag and West End Connectors as FNPs is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process overseen by third-party fairness monitors.
IO and Metrolinx’s approach is designed to speed up construction of the tunnels. During negotiations with IO and Metrolinx, the teams are permitted to undertake certain design and early works for the projects, with potential for early on-site construction mobilization at the Scarborough site. Tunnel boring is expected to begin next year.
The scope of work for the Scarborough Subway Extension Advance Tunnel includes:
- tunnelling works for the 7.8-kilometre subway extension, from Kennedy Station to McCowan Road/Sheppard Avenue,
- design and construction of launch and extraction shafts, tunnels, as well as headwalls for emergency exit buildings and stations,
- supplying the tunnel boring machine and installing segmental precast concrete tunnel liners, and
- activities necessary to build the tunnel (e.g., utility relocations, supports for shaft and headwalls, temporary power supply, lighting, ventilation, and drainage).
The scope of work for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Advance Tunnel, meanwhile, includes:
- approximately 6 kilometres of tunnelling for the 9.2-kilometre extension.
- design and construction of launch and extraction shafts, tunnels, as well as headwalls for emergency exit buildings and stations.
- supply tunnel boring machines and install segmental precast concrete tunnel liners.
- activities necessary to build the tunnel (e.g., utility relocations, supports for shaft and headwalls, temporary power supply, lighting, ventilation, and drainage).