No. H 106/09
For release - July 27, 2009
GOLDEN, BRITISH COLUMBIA — A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued today to three prequalified bidding teams, in order to select one proponent to design and build the Phase 3 West section (Hill to Portal) of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project, announced Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird and British Columbia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Shirley Bond.
"Improving the safety and efficiency of this critical trade corridor will help strengthen and protect the Canadian economy, create jobs and improve the country's competiveness," said Baird. "We are taking a similar approach to what proved so successful on Phase 2: seeking a proposal that would both prepare the final design and construct these improvements," said Minister Bond. "This RFP is being issued one year ahead of schedule, and the design-build process will provide for a shorter time to start construction than conventional delivery."
The 3.8 kilometre Phase 3 West project includes:
- reducing the steep grade on Golden Hill;
- extending a fourth lane to the Highway 95 intersection;
- consolidating accesses;
- constructing a grade separation at Golden Donald Upper Road;
- improving facilities for cyclists and pedestrians; and
- constructing a fencing and crossing structure to protect wildlife.
The three prequalified bidding teams are:
- Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) Inc.;
- Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd.; and
- Dragados Canada, Inc. (DRS Joint Venture).
Design and construction proposals for this project are due in early October, and the contract will be awarded in November 2009. The Phase 3 West project is scheduled for completion by 2012.
Upgrades to Phase 3 West (Hill to Portal), along with the Phase 3 East project (Brake Check to Yoho Park), are being cost-shared through the federal/provincial Building Canada Fund. The first two phases of the project, which were also cost-shared by both governments, have already been completed.
On November 6, 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell announced a $64.2 million federal and a $70.1 million provincial contribution for the Phase 3 upgrades and improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway in the Kicking Horse Pass. This contribution was announced as a broader joint commitment to fund major infrastructure projects in British Columbia.
More information is available on the Kicking Horse Canyon project website at www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca.
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