Northern Toronto, Ontario (Bradford to Barrie)

Customer
GO Transit

RailWorks Business Unit
PNR RailWorks

Description
PNR RailWorks served as the general contractor to construct a commuter extension on GO Transit’s Bradford to Barrie line in Ontario.

Scope
The line required extensive track and signal upgrades to convert it from a single-track freight line to an efficient commuter line serving the north Toronto area. PNR RailWorks constructed a range of improvements to accommodate faster train speeds and shorter transit times necessary for the 34-km commuter rail line.

In addition to installing new rail and ties and surfacing the line, PNR RailWorks supplied, installed and commissioned 22 new crossing warning systems and wired all the bungalows along the route. The Signal division performed all the work, including installing all of the electronic grade crossing predictors, LED lights and the accompanying gates. The project was completed in 2007 over a seven-month period.

Unique features
PNR RailWorks served as the general contractor to coordinate work between its Signal and Track divisions as well as with all the subcontractors. Throughout the project, PNR RailWorks had exclusive access to the track, with no active train lines to work around.

The line’s expansion presented the challenges of working in populated areas with environmental considerations. PNR RailWorks coordinated closely with the townships along the route as well as a GO Transit environmentalist and the Ministry of Environment. This coordination contributed to the successful completion of the project on time and without any incidents or environmental damage.

Other participants
AGM – project managers
UMA - signal design