Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have issued two requests for qualifications (RFQs) for advance tunnelling work on the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension—the first phase of work for the two projects.

Metrolinx and IO will later issue separate contracts for the balance of the work on each project, which includes building the stations, fitting out the tunnels and installing and commissioning the systems.

These current RFQs outline the scope of work to design, build and finance the tunnels:

• Tunnelling;
• Designing and building launch and extraction shafts, tunnels and headwalls for emergency exit buildings and stations;
• Supplying tunnel-boring machines (TBMs); and
• Installing precast concrete tunnel liners.

Successful proponents would also engage in various other activities as part of the tunnelling contracts, including: relocating utilities; supporting shafts and headwalls; and providing temporary power-supplies, lighting, ventilation and drainage.

This map shows the route for the Scarborough Subway extension, image, Metrolinx

The Scarborough Subway project extends the Toronto Transit Commission's Line 2 Bloor-Danforth subway almost entirely underground for eight kilometres between Sheppard Avenue East at McCowan Road and Kennedy Station. In the preliminary business case, Metrolinx explains that contractors would need to build TBM launch shafts near Kennedy Station and Sheppard East / McCowan. They would also build an extraction shaft for both TBMs near Lawrence Avenue East and McCowan.

The Eglinton West project extends the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit line from the Crosstown's Mount Dennis Station to Renforth Station on the Mississauga Transitway and then to a future transit hub at  Toronto Pearson International Airport. Although it stretches nearly nine kilometres, just six kilometres would be underground, from west of Scarlett Road to Renforth Drive. The preliminary business case has not specified the location of TBM launch and extraction sites.222

This map shows the route for the Eglinton West LRT extension, image Metrolinx

In a news release, IO says that the RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select teams to deliver the tunneling work for the two projects.

IO and Metrolinx will evaluate the RFQ submissions. They will short-list teams that possess the relevant experience and capacity to deliver each project and invite them to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) this summer.

IO says that "Procurement activity is also underway to build the team of advisors who will deliver these subway projects." This activity includes:

• An RFP for a program controls services consultant for the subway program. The consultant provides overall project controls services and oversees schedule, risk management and cost-estimating functions of the subways program. IO expects to award the contract this spring.

• RFPs for technical advisors for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Scarborough Subway Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension projects. IO expects to award these contracts this spring.

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What do you think of the projects? Add your comments in the form below, or join the discussion on our Forum:

• Scarborough Subway extension;
• Eglinton West extension.

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