Metrolinx has selected Bowmanville Construction Partners (BCP) as the construction manager that will come on-board to help inform the detailed design and provide construction management advice for the Bowmanville Extension project. BCP is a general partnership between Ledcor CMI Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc.

This procurement process began in Fall 2022.

The Bowmanville Extension will extend the Lakeshore East GO Line nearly 20 kilometers to Bowmanville. With nearly 17,000 daily trips expected by 2041, the extension will connect more of Durham Region to fast two-way, all-day rail service, helping get customers where they need to go easier than ever before.

The Bowmanville Extension project includes:

• New track and signal infrastructure
• Seven new bridges, including a new rail alignment over Highway 401
• Bridge reconstruction and existing bridge modifications
• Utility relocations
• At-grade crossing upgrades 

The Bowmanville Extension is a compliment to the larger GO Expansion program.

GO Expansion is transforming the GO rail network into a modern two-way all-day, rapid transit system, providing more frequent service, more stations, cleaner technology, and more connections.

What will the construction manager do?

During the development stage, the construction manager will work closely with Metrolinx on potential solutions to design challenges. This reduces the risk of potential delays and will help get the project built faster.

It also allows for greater innovation, efficiency, and quality management throughout the design process.

For example, construction managers have an expertise in construction means and methods, so they can provide early advice on access points and laydown areas for the project, helping get shovels in the ground even quicker.

Near the end of the development stage, the construction manager will provide an estimated construction schedule and a target price for the proposed work. Metrolinx and the construction manager will then negotiate terms of a construction contract, including costs and other logistics.

Transit oriented communities

Metrolinx continues to advance discussions with third parties to deliver the four GO stations proposed for Thornton’s Corners East, Ritson Road, Courtice and Bowmanville through the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program along the Bowmanville Extension.

The TOC program seeks to leverage the value of Metrolinx’s transit network and service to have third parties fund the design and construction of new GO station infrastructure for Metrolinx to own and operate.

Next steps

Now that a team has been selected, detailed design will begin as part of the development phase.

During the development phase the construction manager would support the following activities:

• Provide engineering feedback throughout the design process
• Provide construction advisory services during the design development to mitigate constructability issues and re-work
• Identify additional due diligence requirements to reduce risk of unknowns that might arise during construction
• Identify potential early works that could be completed to streamline major civil works
• Obtain more accurate cost and schedule estimates for the work to be completed, leveraging real time market and supply chain data

Metrolinx has updated environmental studies for the project and will be seeking community input as part of the Transit Project Assessment Process Environmental Project Report (EPR) addendum. More information is available on Metrolinx News.

The virtual public information centre began June 8 and will be ongoing until June 21. In case you missed it, a recording of the  open house held on June 14 is available to watch on the project webpage.

More transit in Durham Region means more people connecting with what’s important to them. It’s more places to call home, more ways to get to school, more access to job opportunities, more access to healthcare and so much more.

If you have any questions about the Bowmanville Extension project or how to participate during the EPR addendum, please contact the community engagement team and follow @GOExpansion on Twitter for updates.