AECOM (NYSE:ACM), a globally recognized infrastructure consulting firm, has been selected to provide design services as part of the Pape North Connect Team. This team, chosen by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, will undertake the Pape Tunnel and Underground Stations (PTUS) contract for the Ontario Line. The Ontario Line is a standalone rapid transit line spanning 15.6 kilometers, aimed at enhancing access and reducing daily travel time for Toronto commuters.
Richard Barrett, CEO of AECOM’s Canada region, emphasized the company’s expertise in tunneling and transit design, which bolsters their competitive edge on large-scale projects like the Ontario Line. Barrett expressed enthusiasm about expanding AECOM’s involvement in the project, highlighting the collaborative effort with Metrolinx to deliver improved transit access, reduced congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The PTUS contract is being procured under a Development and Master Construction Agreement (DMCA) with Metrolinx, featuring a multi-stage design process called the development phase. This phase fosters collaboration between Metrolinx and Pape North Connect to finalize scope, risk allocation, and pricing of various contract elements. Pape North Connect comprises AECOM, Arcadis, Webuild Civil Work Inc., and Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd.
Mark Southwell, CEO of AECOM’s global Transportation business, noted that the project win enables AECOM to provide technical design leadership for the entire length of the approximately 10-kilometer tunnel works and three complex interchange stations along the Ontario Line Subway. AECOM’s team of transportation experts is dedicated to supporting Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx in this critical investment, which promises expanded and modernized transportation for thousands of commuters in Toronto.
The PTUS contract’s scope encompasses three kilometers of twin tunnels beneath Pape Avenue, two underground stations, three emergency exit and service buildings, and a crossover near Sammon Avenue. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx anticipate the project will create thousands of job opportunities annually during construction and ensure that over 227,500 Toronto residents will be within a 10-minute walk of an Ontario Line station.
