The Bird Construction and AtkinsRéalis joint venture (JV) has entered into an alliance development agreement with Metrolinx for the construction of a new transit station in Toronto, Canada.  

The 50/50 JV is called Rail Connect Partners. 

The transit station, East Harbour Transit Hub, is part of the SmartTrack Stations Program. 

The SmartTrack Stations Program aims to use approximately 40km of Metrolinx's existing GO rail corridors within the city.  

This programme is intended to create rail stations that are more accessible to residents and commuters, enhancing connectivity across the city. 

Under the terms of the alliance development agreement, the JV will be responsible for optimising the design solution as well as drafting a project proposal for the transit hub 

It will also prepare detailed estimates for resources, costs, and schedules, finalise the project alliance agreement and commence early works. 

The East Harbour Transit Hub will be designed to meet both local and regional transit needs. 

It will integrate the GO Train, the Ontario Line subway, and potential future Toronto Transit Commission light rail transit services.  

With the planned GO Expansion, service levels are expected to see a GO train arriving as frequently as every five minutes, improving transit options for the community. 

AtkinsRéalis president and CEO Ian L Edwards said: “The alliance development agreement represents a significant development for us in how we execute large projects without a fixed price contract model; we are thrilled to work closely with our alliance partners to apply this collaborative model to deliver an exciting new regional transportation hub. 

“We are proud to contribute to improving transportation links in the Greater Toronto Area and developing innovative solutions to improve accessibility for commuters.” 

This agreement comes after Bird Construction received a construction management contract to build a 13-storey modular tower in British Columbia, Canada, in December last year.