The Broadway Subway in Vancouver is moving forward with an invitation to bidders to submit their qualifications to design, build and finance the project.
“It’s great to see this important project getting under way in the heart of Vancouver,” said François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The Broadway Subway project will introduce a new transportation option along one of the city’s busiest corridors, helping reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while keeping pace with the city’s growing ridership.”
As part of the competitive procurement process, a request for qualifications (RFQ) has been released on BC Bid to identify a contractor to design, build, and finance the Broadway Subway project. The RFQ will close in April 2019. The ministry will then select up to three respondent teams to participate in the subsequent phase of the competitive selection process, which is the request for proposal stage.
“I’m very pleased the procurement phase for the Broadway Subway is being launched with our partners today. This is a solid step towards reducing congestion in the city of Vancouver and providing people with an alternative when it comes to transportation,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Early work will soon get under way to prepare for subway construction starting in 2020. Current activities involve installing trolley wire poles and upgrading intersection signals and lampposts on routes adjacent to the corridor. This work will enable future trolley bus detours and keep people moving during construction of the Broadway Subway.
The project will be delivered under the Community Benefits Agreement announced by the provincial government last summer. The agreement generates benefits to the surrounding community by providing opportunities for local workers, Indigenous peoples, apprentices and other groups.
The Transportation Investment Corporation (TI Corp.) is delivering the project on behalf of the Province. TI Corp. is a Crown corporation with the legislative authority to deliver major transportation projects, similar to its role on the Port Mann Bridge project. With tolls now removed on the Port Mann Bridge, TI Corp. will provide oversight and management of the delivery of other major projects throughout the province.
The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7 kilometres and six stations to the Millennium Line between VCC-Clark and Arbutus Street. Subway construction is anticipated to begin in 2020 and finish in 2025. The project will cost $2.83 billion, funded and delivered by the Government of B.C., with contributions from the Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver.
