GO Rail Expansion Program contract for rail-rail grade separation awarded

Graham Commuter Rail Solutions (GCRS) has been selected by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation project, which is part of the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.  

GCRS was named as the preferred proponent for the project back in June following a competitive procurement process overseen by a third-party fairness monitor. The project will increase capacity on GO’s Barrie Corridor to support the GO RER’s overall program goal of bring 15-minute, two-way, all-day, electrified GO service to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

The Davenport Diamond project will construct a rail grade separation structure between the north-south GO Barrie Rail corridor and the east-west Canadian Pacific Railway freight corridor. Noise reduction elements will be placed at the top of the retaining walls forming the approaches of the flyover to minimize community impact. The project also requires the 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 the rail grade separation and replacement of Bloor Street West Bridge.

IO and Metrolinx list the benefits of the community as a reduction in traffic congestion, greenhouse gases and fuel consumption, as well as improved quality of life for commuters through a reduction in daily travel time.

At the peak of construction, GCRS anticipates approximately 150 workers on site, the majority which will come from the Greater Toronto Area.

Design work starts immediately and construction will begin in fall 2019, with completion expected in spring 2023.