HAMILTON – The Ontario government is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT), bringing the province one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on major construction for a key transit project that will carry 50,000 daily riders across one of Ontario’s fastest-growing cities.
“Our government is making real progress on our historic plan to build and expand transit across the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As one of our priority rapid transit projects, the Hamilton LRT will reduce gridlock and connect thousands of families and workers to affordable public transit, improving quality of life and growing the economy for everyone.”
The Civil Works and Utility Relocations RFQ invites contractors to submit a statement of qualifications to lead the construction of most civil work, including utility relocations, roads, structures, grade separations, bridges, sidewalks and traffic control signals along the 14-kilometre alignment. The province will evaluate the submissions and announce a shortlist of candidates who will then be invited to submit proposals to complete the work.
“The federal government is committed to delivering Hamilton’s LRT and is pleased to partner with the Government of Ontario to deliver fast, reliable and sustainable transit options to communities across the province,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “As Hamilton grows, this new LRT will help residents get where they need to go.”
Once complete, the 14-kilometre Hamilton LRT will connect commuters to an expanded high-speed rail and GO network, offering service to McMaster University, City Hall, Tim Hortons Field, Eastgate Square, downtown Hamilton and other popular locations. The LRT line will offer residents fast and reliable service and connect workers to tens of thousands of well-paying jobs.
“I’m thrilled about today’s announcement. This long-anticipated news is a critical step in a historic investment in public transit for our city,” said Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton. “Today’s announcement, that the Ontario government has issued a Request for Qualifications for the City of Hamilton’s LRT, will also see the replacement of underground infrastructure such as water and wastewater with support from the province. I want to thank Premier Ford and the Ontario government for their continued support of this project, which will bring significant benefits to the residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton for many years to come.”