^ Would this add double tracking? cc
@crs1026
I don't have access to the documents, but the answer is likely, it's the first step.
The key words are "Enabling works". My understanding is that in ML procurement space this implies utility relocation, grading, fencing and/or sound walls, culvert extenstion, etc....but not necessarily the laying of track itself and installation of signalling.
MP 21.10 is the first farm crossing north of the end of double track at Kirby, and MP 29.17 is Englehard Road, just south of Aurora Station. So logically that implies at least one track in addition to the current single track on that stretch. That's enough passing capacity to push hourly 2WAD service to possibly Bradford, assuming the Davenport work creates double track south of Steeles. It would likely also resolve the siding issue at the lumber yard north of King City that causes the "roadswitcher day" bustitutions.
We would have to hear about more track work at or north of Bradford to push 2WAD any further north or any more frequently than hourly. It's 12.5 miles from Aurora to Bradford, with two intermediate GO stations.....so without double track, hourly headways (30 minutes up, 30 minutes back) are as good as it gets. (Do I recall a procurement for some small project at Bradford, eg a passing siding?)
Personally I'm pleased to see ML procuring some of these projects outside of the Mother of all P3 procurement. The bidders on the latter can't be expected to take every and all risks and manage every and all bit of work on the GO network. Getting to a graded, ready for track right of way is a logical starting point for P3 bidders.
- Paul
www.gotransit.com
