Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build and finance the Rutherford Station project.

The infrastructure upgrades are required to accommodate the planned expansion of GO Transit rail service on the Barrie line.

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes:

• New multi-level parking structure with integrated station building
• Re-design of surface parking, kiss and ride, bus loop and pedestrian access
• Rail/road grade separation on Rutherford Road
• New rail platforms and full platform canopy
• A second heavy rail track and provision for future third express center track

The RFQ is available to view here. Statements of qualifications are due by 16 June. The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. IO and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the relevant construction experience. Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals in fall 2017.

This project is part of Metrolinx's work in support of GO Regional Express Rail (RER). GO RER will provide faster, more frequent and more convenient transit service across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), including electrification of core segments of the GO rail network by 2024-25. The program will provide new travel choices for commuters, significantly increase transit ridership, cut journey times and help manage congestion across the GTHA.

Major infrastructure updates are required to bring this level of service to communities across the region, including: adding track, modifying GO stations, improving rail crossings, building required systems for electrification and adding new locomotives and train control systems.

The tender marks IO’s fifth P3 transaction launch this year. Approximately nine P3s are scheduled to begin procurement in 2017.

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation, said:

“As commuters, we depend on a reliable GO rail network that will help ensure residents from Vaughan have convenient ways to get to work, school and their appointments. Today's announcement is an important milestone in our progress in providing 15 minute, two way - all day service to our community and all those along the Barrie GO rail corridor.”

John Jensen, Interim CEO, Metrolinx, stated:

"Metrolinx is pleased to be issuing a Request for Qualifications for construction services to expand infrastructure at Rutherford GO Station. This project includes a new multi-level parking structure with 1200 net-new parking spots, and the Rutherford grade separation which will increase community safety and enable faster, more frequent GO train service along the Barrie corridor."