Metrolinx has awarded the contract to design and build the westward extension of Line 5 Eglinton. The project consists of a 9.2-kilometre addition to the light rail line with seven new stations, four of which are underground, and will run from the already-constructed Mount Dennis Station to Renforth Drive.

The Trillium Rail Partners consortium, ACCIONA (40%), Amico (30%) and Alberici (30%) will be doing the construction work with design provided by WSP. Trillium Rail Partners will also be integrating the railway's operating and control systems, in addition to signaling, communications, and data networks.

The project represents a significant expansion of the current light rail system focused on reducing travel times and greenhouse gas emissions.

Upon completion, Ontario transportation authorities estimate the extension will reduce emissions by up to 5,800 tonnes and, when combined with Line 5 Eglinton, will reduce annual vehicle trips by up to 6.5 million.

KEY COUNTRY

ACCIONA has been building critical infrastructure in Canada since 2001 including projects in British Columbia such as the Site C dam in Fort St. John, the new Pattullo Bridge over the Fraser River in Vancouver and the Broadway Subway Project, a 5.7-kilometre extension of the Millennium line also in Vancouver.

Other key projects have included the Walterdale Bridge in Edmonton, and the completion of the 40 Mile Wind Farm also in Alberta. Last year, ACCIONA and its local partner were selected to design and build 3kms of the Ontario Line North transit line elevated guideway and five stations in Toronto.