IO, Metrolinx select preferred proponent for grade separation project
Graham Commuter Rail Solutions (GCRS) has been selected by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation project, part of Metrolinx's GO Rail Expansion program.
Members of the GCRS team include:
- Applicant Lead: Graham Capital Partners LP and Gracorp Capital Ltd.; Graham Construction and Engineering LP
- Construction: Graham Construction and Engineering LP
- Design: LEA Consulting Ltd. as Design Lead; exp Services Inc.; International Bridge Technologies; Brown & Storey Architects Inc.
- Financial Advisor: Graham Capital Partners LP
The project calls for the construction of a rail grade separation structure between north-south GO Barrie Rail corridor and east-west CP Rail corridor; erection of retaining walls forming the approaches of the grade separation structure topped with noise reduction walls to minimize impacts on the community; construction of a temporary diversion track to enable construction of a new two-track elevated guideway; modification of an existing at-grade crossing at Wallace Avenue to become a road under rail grade separation; replacement of Bloor Street West Bridge; and construction in an active rail corridor with limited access points and staging and coordination with the Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion Grading project.
The Rail Expansion Program will transform the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area through 2024. Metrolinx will transform the GO rail network into an RER system that will bring 15-minute, two-way, all-day, electrified GO service to communities across the region. System-wide RER infrastructure upgrades will include: adding tracks, expanding stations, electrification of the rail network, new locomotives and train control systems to enable more frequent service.
IO and Metrolinx expect to reach financial close in summer 2019, with construction to begin shortly thereafter and the entities explain that the selection of GCRS is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process overseen by a third party fairness monitor.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. 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 served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
