In May of 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Finance announced its plan to strategically invest in roads, bridges and public transit. It specifically mentioned the release of $2.5-billion for Ontario highway rehabilitation and expansion projects throughout 2014 and 2015. In response to the increase in funding, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation began applying the much needed spend against projects, giving priority on a greatest needs basis.
“Given the now available funding, the Ministry wanted to get projects completed as soon as possible. The request for proposal outlined a very aggressive schedule with tight timelines and a unique delivery approach,” says Tim Sorochinsky, senior project manager, AECOM. “We came up with an atypical fast-track methodology to the design and review process in order to move the project along so that construction could commence by mid-2015.”
Detailed design for the first four bridges is currently underway with construction expected to commence in mid-2015.