Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx issue RFQ for two subway tunneling projects

March 11, 2020

The tunneling work will begin first on the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, followed by separate contracts for the balance of the projects.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

The next phase of both the Scarborough Subway Extension and Eglinton Crosstown West extension have been started, as officials start the search for experts who will take care of the tunneling needed. File photo of the Crosstown LRT project now underway.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx for tunneling work on the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, representing more than 10.6 miles of combined boring for tunnels that will carry Line 2 and future Line 5 trains.

The entities explains that tunneling will begin first to expedite work on the projects and separate contracts will be issued for the balance of the work on each project, which includes building the stations, fitting-out the tunnels and installing and commissioning the systems.

Metrolinx explains the RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to prequalify project teams that have the required design and construction capability and experience to undertake projects of this size and complexity. Once the pre-qualified teams are in place, a Request for Proposals will be issued.

The Scarborough Subway Extension is an approximate 8-km (4.9-mile) extension of Line 2 from Kennedy Station to McCowan Road/Sheppard Avenue. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is a 9.2-km (5.7-mile) extension of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (future TTC Line 5). The extension will run mostly underground, westward from the future Mount Dennis station to Renforth Drive. A possible future connection to Toronto Pearson International Airport is also being studied.

The scope of work for the two RFQs includes:

• Tunneling works

• Design and construction of launch and extraction shafts, tunnels, as well as headwalls for emergency exit buildings and stations

• Supply tunnel boring machines (TBMs) 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)

"We are building a modern, efficient rapid transit system that provides benefits for all transit riders and taxpayers," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney. "These subway projects in Scarborough and along Eglinton will strengthen our transit network and better connect us as a world-class province, region and city."

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.