Metrolinx release RFQ for Yonge North Subway Extension tunnel project
The Ontario government announced on April 27, 2023, that the search for expert teams interested in building the Yonge North Subway Extension tunnels has begun with the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ). This important milestone brings the project one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on major construction.
The advance tunneling RFQ offers interested companies an opportunity to be included in the bidding process by asking them to present their qualifications and construction expertise.
“The Yonge North Subway Extension is a critical project for York Region that will provide much-needed access to reliable public transit and connect more people to major employment centres in Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.
“Together with our partners in Ottawa, York Region and the City of Toronto, we’re demonstrating real progress to make this project a reality and delivering on our plan to build a strong Ontario.”
The package of work includes designing the tunnels, supplying the tunnel boring machines (TBM), and building the launch shaft and extraction shaft that will be used to lower the TBMs into the ground and bring them to the surface again.
The RFQ also includes design and construction of the walls that will support the underground stations and emergency exit buildings and relocating existing utilities along the route.
The Yonge North Subway Extension will put 26,000 more people within a 10-minute walk of transit and is expected to reduce daily travel times for commuters by up to 22 minutes. It will cut the distance travelled by personal vehicles by 7,700 km during rush hour and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4,800 t each year.
Through detailed plans and careful construction, the successful tunneling team will dig out the tunnel for the subway extension that will bring TTC Line 1 service to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill.
The announcement follows news of important progress on the approximately eight-kilometre extension. Work has started at Finch Station on early upgrades to accommodate future subway service.
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario will review the submissions made through the advance tunneling RFQ and will create a shortlist of qualified teams that will be invited to bid on the tunneling contract through a request for proposals.
Ontario is investing $70.5 billion over the next decade to transform public transit in the province, which includes the largest subway expansion in Canadian history – the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and the Yonge North Subway Extension.