Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Egis has been awarded a contract to design and implement the Overhead Contact System for Toronto’s new Ontario Line subway.
The NGE Group’s subsidiary, TSO Can Inc., awarded Egis the design services contract for the 1.5 kV overhead electrification for this subway project. The 15.6-kilometre project encompasses overhead catenary infrastructure along the elevated and at-grade sections of the route and depot areas, as well as overhead contact rail within the twin-bore subway tunnels.
“The Ontario Line is an iconic project that will reshape communities and improve mobility through the GTA, and we are proud to continue our legacy of building integrated subway lines with our internationally renowned expertise in rail systems,” said Jean Steenhouwer, Egis in Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer.
With more than 50 years experience in urban and railway projects, Egis will leverage its vast local and global rail systems and electrification knowledge to support TSO Can Inc. in adhering to local regulations, ensuring project compliance and contributing to the project’s success.
The partnership further solidifies Egis’ successful collaboration with Metrolinx, as they serve as Technical Advisors for the GO Expansion ON Corridor program in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
With 15 new stations, the subway will run from Exhibition Place, through the heart of downtown, all the way to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road.
Construction is underway across the Ontario Line, with crews preparing for excavation at all downtown station sites by installing new support walls. In the east end, major bridge work is underway along the existing above-ground rail corridor where the Ontario Line will run, and sites are being cleared to prepare for future major construction in the north end, including on the new Thorncliffe Park Station.
Crews broke ground on the future Ontario Line connection at Pape Station in July.
Following the completion of important prep work to clear the site for major construction, teams are now installing foundational supports to reinforce the soil and prepare for excavation.
Before digging can begin, a strong and stable perimeter needs to be built around the excavation site.
At Pape, this involves digging deep and narrow trenches into the ground, inserting steel reinforcement cages into them and filling them with concrete to create a safe and stable site for excavation and walls of the future underground station structure.