Bechtel team lands first stage of $1.8bn Canadian light rail scheme

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The Canadian city of Edmonton has picked TransEd Partners to design, build, operate, maintain and finance the first stage of the CA$1.8bn (£894m) Valley Line light rail transit (LRT) system.

TransEd is made up of Fengate Capital Management, Bechtel, Ellis-Don and Bombardier. Other key team members include Transdev, Arup and IBI Group.

The public-private partnership scheme covers a 13km stretch of LRT from Mill Woods to Downtown.

TransEd Partners was chosen following an 18-month procurement process that saw comprehensive proposals from three international teams. Teams were evaluated on their experience in the design and construction of LRT systems as well as operation, maintenance and finance. The proposal from TransEd Partners demonstrated the best overall value for citizens.

“We feel confident that TransEd Partners shares Edmonton’s vision for its future, and is the right partner to bring this vision to life,” said acting city manager Linda Cochrane. “The procurement process on this project has been very robust and the final deal is one that offers strong value for taxpayers.”

The first phase of the Valley Line LRT will include 11 street-level stops that are easy to access. The line also includes Davies Station, with a 1,400-spot park and ride facility and a full transit centre; the new Tawatinâ bridge across North Saskatchewan River; and a short tunnel.

Detailed work is now required to finalise the contract. This process is expected to be complete by February 2016, with construction beginning shortly afterwards.