NEWS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ

 

 

For Immediate Release 2009TRAN0005-000158 July 27, 2009

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Transport Canada

 

RFP ISSUED FOR KICKING HORSE PHASE 3 WEST

 

GOLDEN – A request for proposals (RFP) has been issued 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, 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 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.

·        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. 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 Nov. 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. A backgrounder is attached.

 

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Contacts:

Dave Crebo Public Affairs Bureau BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 387-7787

Chris Day Press Secretary Office of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird, Ottawa 613 991-0700

 

Media Relations

Transport Canada, Ottawa

613 993-0055

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

 

 

BACKGROUNDER

 

KICKING HORSE CANYON PROJECT – OVERVIEW

 

The Kicking Horse Canyon Project is the first major upgrading of the Trans-Canada Highway through the Kicking Horse Canyon since it was built in the 1950s as a narrow, winding two-lane highway with rock faces on one side and a drop-off to the Kicking Horse River on the other.

Commercial carriers make up a large proportion of traffic along this section of highway and it is also a favoured route for tourists, carrying over 10,000 vehicles per day during the summer.

Revitalizing this critical link to B.C.’s ports and southern routes is essential to strengthening the province as Canada’s Asia-Pacific gateway. The project, consisting of improvements between the Highway 95 junction at Golden and the western boundary of Yoho National Park, is one of the top transportation priorities for the provincial and federal governments.

The highway is being improved to a modern four-lane standard to move traffic more safely and efficiently. Sharp curves and steep grades are being reduced and narrow bridges are being replaced.

The first two phases of the project, cost-shared by the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, have been completed. The upgrade of the nine kilometres, represented by Phases 1 and 2, represents investments of $123.5 million for the province and $83.5 million for the federal government. The estimated total cost of Phase 3, which includes the Brake Check-to-Yoho Park and Hill-to-Portal segments, is $134.5 million.

Brake Check to Yoho Park (Phase 3 East) construction began in fall 2008 under a contract to Ledcor CMI Ltd. When this 8.8 km section is complete in 2011, it will bring the Kicking Horse Canyon Project’s total completed length to 17.8 km out of 26 km.

Hill to Portal (Phase 3 West) day labour construction began May 11 to extend a fourth lane down Golden Hill to the Highway 95 intersection.

 

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Contact:

David Crebo Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 387-7787

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.