GO Transit: Construction Projects (Metrolinx, various)

[John Bisan]

^The question for next town hall will be, How much money has ML spent compensating bidders for unsuccessful bids and cancelled RFP’s ?

- Paul

there is two types of fees paid by the sponsor in this type of AFP projects, break fee , which is paid to all bidders if the project is canceled during RFP, and currently ML doesn't offer any break fee in most if not all of their projects.

the second type is Bid fee, which is only paid to unsuccessful bidder(s), in most cases it's used if the project is DBF, however in the some cases it's also paid in BF , but only if the submission is compliant to RFP documents, this usually covers 50% to 70% of the bidder's cost, rest is investment by the bidder.

 

[steveintoronto]

currently ML doesn't offer any break fee in most if not all of their projects.

Is this effectively the same as a "termination" fee? I ask because the latter shows in Google searches in IO contracts. It raises some interesting questions about Metrolinx procedures. IO also talks of "Sponsors"...in effect IO acting as an impartial party between two others. Again, it raises questions.

Infrastructure Ontario and Osler have released a request for proposals (RFP) to the three teams short-listed to design, build, finance and maintain the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
Build Osler - William Osler Health System

www.williamoslerhs.ca/about-osler/news-media/newsletters/inside-osler.../build-osler

 

[crs1026]

After querying ML's spokesperson about tcd's not articulated in the town hall, her reply was that there is lots of information on the ML web site. So, I did a fair bit of searching there today. That gave me lots of information but left the underlying questions unanswered. Here is my new list of detailed questions for the next town hall.

As you can probably tell, I'm pretty jaded about ML's strategy of not providing details (which are reasonable followup to statements made in the past by ML about their projects and work which in the past they have stated publicly is progressing). As this list indicates, ML has a huge inventory of work in progress. I have never believed that the Province had the funds available for all of this (let alone further work on electrification, RER capacity, etc) nor does ML have the project management bandwidth to juggle all these balls. So I'm happy(er) if they were to say definitively that some of it is now off the table. At least then we would know where things stand. It's the pretense that all of this is happily chugging along that is not acceptable.

1. Hamilton West Harbour - Track and bridgework between West Harbour and Hamilton Jct began construction prior to start of West Harbour service 2015. The bridge, and connecting track work, has never been placed in service, and the track dead ends just north of the bridge. Apparently the junction at Hamilton Jct will need to be modified to tie in this trackage and extend it from Hamilton Jct to Bayview. Questions for ML: What is the cost to date of track and bridge work between West Harbour and Bayview Jct? When will this bridge and related new track be placed in service? Note that in his recent speech to the Empire Club, Mr Verster characterised this project as completed and successful. How does ML reconcile this statement with the longstanding non-completion of the track and bridgework in this area?
2. Centennial GO Station - The ML Web site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/confederation-go.aspx indicates expected completion in 2019. Earlier statements by Metrolinx confirmed this target date https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9061055-grimsby-go-station-plan-will-be-stopped-/ A recent press report https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-s...go-station-project-s-schedule-remains-cloudy/ suggests this date is not certain. Questions for ML: Is this project on track to open in 2019? What will the service pattern be at this station at opening?
3. Bramalea/Kitchener GO ML Web site https://www.gotransit.com/en/the-future-go/improvements/bramalea indicates tcd for completion of work at Bramalea Station is 2021. ML Web Site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/20170912_WestonFourthTrack_EN.pdf indicates a fourth track will be built Nickle to Bramalea. ML Web Site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/20170209_CommunityUpdate_YorkSouth-Weston_EN.pdf and https://www.gotransit.com/en/the-future-go/improvements/mount-dennis/mountdennisgostation indicates Mount Dennis GO Station to be completed 2021, 401/409 Rail tunnel to be completed 2021, 4th track completion 2018, Weston Station platform to be completed 2019. Questions for ML: Is there any plan to add additional night/weekend service between Bramalea and Union Station prior to the completion of the above work by 2021? When will Etobicoke North station cease operation? Will service at Etobicoke North be impacted by changes due to the 401/409 tunnel currently under construction? What is the tcd for completion of the new station announced for Woodbine? Will night and weekend service to Bramalea be available once the above work is complete in 2021?
4. Davenport Diamond - Infrastructure Ontario web site https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Davenport-Diamond-Rail-Grade-Separation/ indicates that an RFP for this project was issued Feb 21 2018. Press release Feb 28 2019 https://www.infrastructureontario.c...-RER-Davenport-Diamond-Rail-Grade-Separation/ states that the RFP has closed and successful proponent to be announced in Spring 2019. Questions for ML: what is the status of the RFP for this project? Is this project proceeding? What is the expected date for completing the RFP ? Does the scope of the Davenport Diamond project include adding trackage south of Davenport towards Strachan and/or north towards Steeles?
5. Barrie Line - RFP-2017-CBA-064 issued for Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion 30 April 2018, based on RFQ which selected five potential proponents. Questions for ML - What is the status of this RFP? When does ML anticipating announcing a successful proponent?
6. Caledonia GO station - Metrolinx backgrounder http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/caledonia-station indicates that the Caledonia GO station is a separate project from Eglinton Crosstown. Questions for ML: Has a contract been awarded to complete the GO station component of the Caledonia station? Will this station be ready for opening of the Crosstown LRT in 2021?
7. Stouffville Line - Work in progress to complete double tracking between Kennedy and Steeles Ave. ML has indicated that the scope of this work also includes adding track south of Kennedy Station. http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/scarboroughmarkham.aspx Contract awarded for Stouffville Corridor Project stations with substantial completion by December 2020 https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/Financial-Close-RER-Stouffville-Corridor/ Questions for ML: Will there be any improvements to service on the Stouffville line prior to December 2020 when the Steeles-Kennedy double tracking and related stations is completed? What will the service plan be when the work concludes in2020?
8. Lakeshore East - Infrastructure Ontario web site indicates three RFQ/RFP projects in producrement for Lakeshore East line https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Lakeshore-East-West-Corridor-Expansion/ https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Lakeshore-East-Central-Corridor-Expansion/ https://www.infrastructureontario.c...d-RER-Lakeshore-East-West-Corridor-Expansion/ Comments made by ML execs at recent Durham town hall meeting suggested this work will not proceed. Questions for ML: What is the status of the three RFP’s issued by Infrastructure Ontario to add track to this line between Don and Scarborough Jct, and between Guildwood and Rouge Hill? Per comments at the recent town hall, have these RFP’s been deferred or cancelled?
9. What fees or compensation has been paid to bidders as a result of cancellation of RFP’s by either ML or IO over the past 18 months? What is ML’s policy for compensating for damages or costs incurred by bidders when an RFQ or RFP is cancelled by ML or IO?
10. Torbram Road Grade Separation - Press report https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7251379-councillors-approve-10-8-million-budget-increase-for-torbram-road-underpass/ indicates additional funding approved in light of additional work required. Completion date pushed back to December 2018. Questions for ML: What is the status of the grade separation at Torbram Road in Mississauga? What is the spend to date and the projected total spend? When will work be completed?

- Paul

 

[steveintoronto]

^ Excellent research and compilation. I think Metrolinx will just bury and/or ignore your questions, given the chance, just as I predicted the Davenport Diamond query would get avoided last Town Hall Meeting:

Metrolinx
10 m
For those online (and in the audience) If your question is NOT answered during the event,..
avatar
Metrolinx
10 m
Please submit it on https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/ask-metrolinx.
avatar
Metrolinx
10 m
All questions will be answered there in a few business days.
H

Hayden
9 m
You can't submit questions there now
S

steveintoronto
9 m
[Metrolinx now All questions will be answered there in a few business days.]
S

steveintoronto
9 m
I'll quote you on that...

https://livestream.com/accounts/7089549/events/7965030

@crs1026: May I suggest you submit your questions to Jessica Bell, Opposition Transportation Critic? JBell-QP@ndp.on.ca jbell-CO@ndp.on.ca
I have no doubts that even the Opposition won't get answers, but at least it can be brought up in the Legislature, and be grounds for media coverage when the Opposition get stonewalled.

 

[drum118]

Boy that was a mess at Exhibition station this weekend with the replacement of Track 2 in the station area from the ground up. The old track work and sub base remove with with a new sub base place on a new under layer material and strap track with precast ties on top of it. Got shots from the train heading to Oshawa, but the weather was the pits. Plan on doing a video on my Trip to Long Branch, but couldn't get a window seat on the north side at Union as it was peak load getting on. Track 1 has been replaced with the new precast ties.

Work was also taking place out by the Humber Bay area on track 2 as well. Noticed they have built track 5 support over Windermere Dr.

The track leading out of the new Whitby Complex has a retaining wall between it and GO mainline that slops up to the east. The track connects with the current GO just before Thickson Rd S, with provision for a trail track as well a 2nd track over Thickson Rd in the future.

 

[Allandale25]

^ Excellent research and compilation. I think Metrolinx will just bury and/or ignore your questions, given the chance, just as I predicted the Davenport Diamond query would get avoided last Town Hall Meeting:

https://livestream.com/accounts/7089549/events/7965030

@crs1026: May I suggest you submit your questions to Jessica Bell, Opposition Transportation Critic? JBell-QP@ndp.on.ca jbell-CO@ndp.on.ca
I have no doubts that even the Opposition won't get answers, but at least it can be brought up in the Legislature, and be grounds for media coverage when the Opposition get stonewalled.

Any of the top 10 questions not answered at the town hall and all questions get written replies. Unless something changes that's what they've done for the other town halls. It's mentioned at the town hall they give more time to the people who are there in person to ask questions which makes sense to me.

Given the geographic location of the town hall I'm not surprised most questions in person and submited online were focused on that region.

 

[steveintoronto]

Any of the top 10 questions not answered at the town hall and all questions get written replies. Unless something changes that's what they've done for the other town halls. It's mentioned at the town hall they give more time to the people who are there in person to ask questions which makes sense to me.

Given the geographic location of the town hall I'm not surprised most questions in person and submited online were focused on that region.

Well pardon my audacity! Where exactly is that posted on the site? What is it you don't understand about Metrolinx claiming to be "open" and then only answering the "top ten" one! that fits their agenda?

Why in hell would it be a "top ten" and not a "top one" by your terms of reference? Please offer your answer in multiple phrases and I'll pick the one that suits me best. And conveniently ignore the rest.

George Orwell would be suitably impressed...

I'll post what Metrolinx posted at the live-stream chat *yet again* since the communications messaging is getting lost on some:

Metrolinx
10 m
For those online (and in the audience) If your question is NOT answered during the event,..
avatar
Metrolinx
10 m
Please submit it on https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/ask-metrolinx.
avatar
Metrolinx
10 m
All questions will be answered there in a few business days.
H

Hayden
9 m
You can't submit questions there now
S

steveintoronto
9 m
[Metrolinx now All questions will be answered there in a few business days.]
S

steveintorontohttps://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-may-2-2019
9 m
I'll quote you on that.

Perhaps they didn't get your memo @Allandale25 ?

Here's the list of questions submitted. According to Metrolinx, answers will be there in a "few" business days.
https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-may-2-2019

So ostensibly, the answers will be posted at that link by the end of tomorrow...or not.

From that link:

Watch the video of the livestream of the session or read the questions and answers below.

It's a very odd thing. There are no "answers" on that page. I'll be sure to check again tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that...

 

[Northern Light]

After querying ML's spokesperson about tcd's not articulated in the town hall, her reply was that there is lots of information on the ML web site. So, I did a fair bit of searching there today. That gave me lots of information but left the underlying questions unanswered. Here is my new list of detailed questions for the next town hall.

As you can probably tell, I'm pretty jaded about ML's strategy of not providing details (which are reasonable followup to statements made in the past by ML about their projects and work which in the past they have stated publicly is progressing). As this list indicates, ML has a huge inventory of work in progress. I have never believed that the Province had the funds available for all of this (let alone further work on electrification, RER capacity, etc) nor does ML have the project management bandwidth to juggle all these balls. So I'm happy(er) if they were to say definitively that some of it is now off the table. At least then we would know where things stand. It's the pretense that all of this is happily chugging along that is not acceptable.

1. Hamilton West Harbour - Track and bridgework between West Harbour and Hamilton Jct began construction prior to start of West Harbour service 2015. The bridge, and connecting track work, has never been placed in service, and the track dead ends just north of the bridge. Apparently the junction at Hamilton Jct will need to be modified to tie in this trackage and extend it from Hamilton Jct to Bayview. Questions for ML: What is the cost to date of track and bridge work between West Harbour and Bayview Jct? When will this bridge and related new track be placed in service? Note that in his recent speech to the Empire Club, Mr Verster characterised this project as completed and successful. How does ML reconcile this statement with the longstanding non-completion of the track and bridgework in this area?
2. Centennial GO Station - The ML Web site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/confederation-go.aspx indicates expected completion in 2019. Earlier statements by Metrolinx confirmed this target date https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9061055-grimsby-go-station-plan-will-be-stopped-/ A recent press report https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-s...go-station-project-s-schedule-remains-cloudy/ suggests this date is not certain. Questions for ML: Is this project on track to open in 2019? What will the service pattern be at this station at opening?
3. Bramalea/Kitchener GO ML Web site https://www.gotransit.com/en/the-future-go/improvements/bramalea indicates tcd for completion of work at Bramalea Station is 2021. ML Web Site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/20170912_WestonFourthTrack_EN.pdf indicates a fourth track will be built Nickle to Bramalea. ML Web Site http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/20170209_CommunityUpdate_YorkSouth-Weston_EN.pdf and https://www.gotransit.com/en/the-future-go/improvements/mount-dennis/mountdennisgostation indicates Mount Dennis GO Station to be completed 2021, 401/409 Rail tunnel to be completed 2021, 4th track completion 2018, Weston Station platform to be completed 2019. Questions for ML: Is there any plan to add additional night/weekend service between Bramalea and Union Station prior to the completion of the above work by 2021? When will Etobicoke North station cease operation? Will service at Etobicoke North be impacted by changes due to the 401/409 tunnel currently under construction? What is the tcd for completion of the new station announced for Woodbine? Will night and weekend service to Bramalea be available once the above work is complete in 2021?
4. Davenport Diamond - Infrastructure Ontario web site https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Davenport-Diamond-Rail-Grade-Separation/ indicates that an RFP for this project was issued Feb 21 2018. Press release Feb 28 2019 https://www.infrastructureontario.c...-RER-Davenport-Diamond-Rail-Grade-Separation/ states that the RFP has closed and successful proponent to be announced in Spring 2019. Questions for ML: what is the status of the RFP for this project? Is this project proceeding? What is the expected date for completing the RFP ? Does the scope of the Davenport Diamond project include adding trackage south of Davenport towards Strachan and/or north towards Steeles?
5. Barrie Line - RFP-2017-CBA-064 issued for Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion 30 April 2018, based on RFQ which selected five potential proponents. Questions for ML - What is the status of this RFP? When does ML anticipating announcing a successful proponent?
6. Caledonia GO station - Metrolinx backgrounder http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/caledonia-station indicates that the Caledonia GO station is a separate project from Eglinton Crosstown. Questions for ML: Has a contract been awarded to complete the GO station component of the Caledonia station? Will this station be ready for opening of the Crosstown LRT in 2021?
7. Stouffville Line - Work in progress to complete double tracking between Kennedy and Steeles Ave. ML has indicated that the scope of this work also includes adding track south of Kennedy Station. http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/scarboroughmarkham.aspx Contract awarded for Stouffville Corridor Project stations with substantial completion by December 2020 https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/Financial-Close-RER-Stouffville-Corridor/ Questions for ML: Will there be any improvements to service on the Stouffville line prior to December 2020 when the Steeles-Kennedy double tracking and related stations is completed? What will the service plan be when the work concludes in2020?
8. Lakeshore East - Infrastructure Ontario web site indicates three RFQ/RFP projects in producrement for Lakeshore East line https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Lakeshore-East-West-Corridor-Expansion/ https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/RER-Lakeshore-East-Central-Corridor-Expansion/ https://www.infrastructureontario.c...d-RER-Lakeshore-East-West-Corridor-Expansion/ Comments made by ML execs at recent Durham town hall meeting suggested this work will not proceed. Questions for ML: What is the status of the three RFP’s issued by Infrastructure Ontario to add track to this line between Don and Scarborough Jct, and between Guildwood and Rouge Hill? Per comments at the recent town hall, have these RFP’s been deferred or cancelled?
9. What fees or compensation has been paid to bidders as a result of cancellation of RFP’s by either ML or IO over the past 18 months? What is ML’s policy for compensating for damages or costs incurred by bidders when an RFQ or RFP is cancelled by ML or IO?
10. Torbram Road Grade Separation - Press report https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/7251379-councillors-approve-10-8-million-budget-increase-for-torbram-road-underpass/ indicates additional funding approved in light of additional work required. Completion date pushed back to December 2018. Questions for ML: What is the status of the grade separation at Torbram Road in Mississauga? What is the spend to date and the projected total spend? When will work be completed?

- Paul

The insight implicit in posing these questions, and the requisite sleuthing that went into making sure they were justified and well evidenced is the sort of thing for which I come to UT.

TY @crs1026

 

[steveintoronto]

Boy that was a mess at Exhibition station this weekend with the replacement of Track 2 in the station area from the ground up. The old track work and sub base remove with with a new sub base place on a new under layer material and strap track with precast ties on top of it. Got shots from the train heading to Oshawa, but the weather was the pits. Plan on doing a video on my Trip to Long Branch, but couldn't get a window seat on the north side at Union as it was peak load getting on. Track 1 has been replaced with the new precast ties.

Work was also taking place out by the Humber Bay area on track 2 as well. Noticed they have built track 5 support over Windermere Dr.

The track leading out of the new Whitby Complex has a retaining wall between it and GO mainline that slops up to the east. The track connects with the current GO just before Thickson Rd S, with provision for a trail track as well a 2nd track over Thickson Rd in the future.

The Queen car was truncated westbound at the Roncy loop. Shuttle buses running between the Humber Loop and Roncy. No signs whatsoever on the Parkside Dr platforms, but 'temporary bus stops' up the other sides of the Queensway from the platforms. That's a very poor performance from the TTC, as well as a massive safety issue for kids and older folks. Traffic whizzes by along the Queensway at that point. Pedestrian egress is purposely made difficult there for obvious reasons. I had to help shepherd a large family from Norway across the traffic lanes. First shuttle absolutely packed. Next one was a good ten minutes behind. Ostensibly due to further work on the "rail bridges"...I had no way to confirm that, but did see a yellow HiRail and trailer headed to the Humber Bridges west along LSW.

 

[Allandale25]

Just as a thought, I wonder if one of the four options they are looking at for the Bowmanville Extension will include using the existing CP Rail bridge over the 401. I think I've read that CP lost its GM contract many years ago and given that the plant will likely be closing maybe this could be a cost savings measure for the Extension. Of course I'm certainly not an expert on grade and curves so maybe it would not be feasible.

 

[Allandale25]

Well pardon my audacity! Where exactly is that posted on the site? What is it you don't understand about Metrolinx claiming to be "open" and then only answering the "top ten" one! that fits their agenda?

Why in hell would it be a "top ten" and not a "top one" by your terms of reference? Please offer your answer in multiple phrases and I'll pick the one that suits me best. And conveniently ignore the rest.

The written responses to all questions received for the previous town halls are here:

1. December 12, 2017 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-december-12-2017
2. February 26, 2018 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-february-26-2018
3. April 30, 2018 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-april-30-2018
4. September 26, 2018 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-september-26-2018
5. November 28, 2018 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-november-28-2018
6. March 4, 2019 - https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/ask-metrolinx-march-4-2019

Enjoy.

I assume they will follow the same practice as before and provide written responses to the May 2, 2019 town hall.

In the May 2, 2019 town hall, a Davenport Diamond question was the 8th most popular question. They answered three of the top ten questions with the below being the third one because as I mentioned above, the moderator mentioned at the beginning of the meeting they wanted to give priority to the people who attended in person in terms of answering the questions on May 2nd.

 

[Fritter]

Of course I'm certainly not an expert on grade and curves so maybe it would not be feasible.

I seem to recall that in the early development of this extension this was one of the options proposed, however they decided against it due to the engineering nightmare and the amount of land needed to be expropriated in order to get it done.

 

[robmausser]

Just as a thought, I wonder if one of the four options they are looking at for the Bowmanville Extension will include using the existing CP Rail bridge over the 401. I think I've read that CP lost its GM contract many years ago and given that the plant will likely be closing maybe this could be a cost savings measure for the Extension. Of course I'm certainly not an expert on grade and curves so maybe it would not be feasible.

View attachment 184490

The problem with this is that they built the new Oshawa station (as well as the old station) in the way of the GO tracks. Meaning those GO tracks cannot be extended.

Why they didnt take this opportunity when they rebuilt the Oshawa station to move it out of the way of the GO tracks, is a perfectly fine example of government incompetence.

This means that the end of Lakeshore East will be like Hamilton GO, with Bowmanville being a branch line and the current Oshawa GO station not being serviced by it.

All that could be done now is to move the entire platform north, and go around the Oshawa station, but it would be kind of weird having the GO station on the south side of the platforms and the parking lot; you'd have to take a bridge/tunnel under or over the very platform you are going to in order to get to the station.

 

[Allandale25]

The problem with this is that they built the new Oshawa station (as well as the old station) in the way of the GO tracks. Meaning those GO tracks cannot be extended.

Why they didnt take this opportunity when they rebuilt the Oshawa station to move it out of the way of the GO tracks, is a perfectly fine example of government incompetence.

Did they not purposefully leave this gap between the bridges over the CN tracks and the location of the new GO/VIA station? Would there not be enough room to put one track (green line) between the two structures? I'm just going by what I observe but it looks like they've built both structures to accommodate a pedestrian bridge to connect them (red lines). Thoughts @crs1026 @smallspy ?

Photo source (June 26, 2018).

Better shot here:

 

[Fritter]

I'm no engineer, but in my opinion there is enough room between the 2 structures to allow for 2 tracks an platforms, but definitely enough room for at least one + platform.