By lyndamyer
As the largest contract for the project, which includes a bored tunnel and site preparation for some of the future stations and auxiliary structures, the final call for tenders for tunnel construction on the Blue Line metro extension has been issued by Société de Transport de Montréal (STM).
A two-stage call for tenders was selected due to the complexity of the contract, whereas the date of commissioning the first phase, that was for preliminary tenders, was December 2022. Also the winning bidder is slated to be announced in the first quarter of 2024.
The contract includes:
- detailed design, supply and operation of the TBM
- construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and Anjou West using a TBM
- construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and the tail tracks of the current Blue line using conventional tunneling methods
- excavation of Pie-IX (main entrance building only), Viau and Lacordaire stations and some auxiliary structures
Considering that he timetable was expanded after the discussion process with bidders, the date of inaugurating the Blue Line extension will not be before 2030. STM says the opening date is due to be confirmed when the next contracts have been granted and the final terms of the project approved by the Conseil des ministres.
Currently the project is officially in its execution phase, while work is continuing as scheduled and the project office intends to commence major construction work in coming year.
In order to revitalizing the east end of Montreal, the government of Quebec and the City of Montreal is operating the US$5.13bn Blue Line extension and it comprises of construction of five new stations.
