Rapid Transit Contract Awarded for Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and Newmarket

Digitaljournal.com
April 22, 2014

York RapidLINK Constructors has been awarded the $260.5 million contract to design and build the York Viva Bus Rapid Transit (vivaNext) rapidways along Yonge Street in the Towns of Richmond Hill and Newmarket, a project that will create thousands of jobs.

The project involves widening Yonge Street within Richmond Hill and Newmarket to accommodate approximately nine kilometres of dedicated rapidway lanes for Viva rapid transit vehicles in the centre of the road as well as 10 new vivastations.

In Richmond Hill, the Yonge Street rapidway will extend 6.5 kilometres from Highway 7 to 19th Avenue/ Gamble Road, including seven new vivastations. In the heritage area north of Major Mackenzie Drive, Viva will continue to drive in mixed traffic as it does today.

In Newmarket, the rapidway will extend 2.4 kilometres on Yonge Street from just south of Mulock Drive to Davis Drive, and will include three new vivastations. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and be completed by the end of 2018.

"This is an important project that will benefit the local economy for generations and will support the significant development and growth of these communities," said Reza Moridi, MPP for Richmond Hill. "Congestion will be reduced and commuters will have a better way to get around with this improved rapid transit."

"We have taken another important step in building a modern transit system for residents and commuters across York Region," said Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure. "Investing in public transit reflects the Ontario government's commitment to reducing congestion on our roads, curbing emissions, and improving the quality of life for our families."

"This is a transformative transit project for York Region and another example of transportation progress in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. "The York Viva BRT project is one example of Metrolinx's commitment to reducing traffic congestion, connecting key travel centres in the region and keeping people moving."

Today's announcement marks another significant milestone and investment in York Region's rapid transit network," said Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and CEO. "Once complete, the Yonge Street rapidway will help reduce congestion by providing our residents with an attractive and efficient means of travel to and from work, school, shopping and entertainment destinations."

As part of York Region's rapid transit plan, dedicated rapidways will connect people to key urban centres and other transit services, including GO Transit, the Spadina subway extension and the proposed Yonge subway extension to Richmond Hill at the Langstaff Urban Growth Centre at Highway 7. The Richmond Hill Centre Terminal will be a key point for transferring between several modes of transit, and will influence significant residential, business, entertainment and cultural developments over time.

The York Viva Bus Rapid Transit project represents a $1.4 billion transit infrastructure commitment from the Government of Ontario, and is an example of The Big Move in action - Metrolinx's 25-year plan for an integrated and sustainable transit and transportation system in the GTHA. The project is being implemented by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario. For more information about Metrolinx, visit metrolinx.com.

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) is responsible for the planning, design and construction of the full vivaNext rapid transit network and related infrastructure to deliver on the transit priorities set out in the York Region Transportation Master Plan. YRRTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and share capital corporation of The Regional Municipality of York. The vivaNext plan is a key component of the vision outlined by Ontario's Places to Grow Act, which aims to manage growth in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way that enriches communities. For more information, please visit vivanext.com.