Two contractors win deal to develop first phase of $4bn Calgary Green Line

A mock-up of the new light rail vehicle that will be used on the Calgary Green Line LRT (Image courtesy of Calgary Green Line LRT)

Colorado-based contractor Flatiron has won a deal in joint venture with Barnard Constructors of Canada to act as development partner to deliver phase one of the Green Line LRT project in Calgary, Canada.

The project involves the construction of 18km of dual light railway track, 13 passenger stations, 2km of underground tunnelling, 9 major bridges and a 72-acre maintenance and storage facility.

So far, the government of Canada, Government of Alberta and City of Calgary have committed CAD 5.5 billion (US$4 billion) to the project.

Flatiron, which is a subsidiary of Germany’s largest construction company, Hochtief, will work as part of the Bow Transit Connectors (BTC) joint venture, which also involves Barnard Constructors of Canada, along with WSP Canada.

BTC holds a 16-month development phase contract, in which it will collaborate with members of Calgary’s Green Line team to develop the project design and work up project costs, risk balance and overall construction schedule.

There will be a separate project agreement to construct the project, with work due to start in 2024.

Ken Tanner, vice president of Canada Operations for Flatiron said, “As part of the Bow Transit Connectors team, we look forward to bringing our expertise in delivering large scale infrastructure projects to enhance Calgary’s future.

“We are proud to share the trust of the City of Calgary as we significantly improve the mobility of the local communities by delivering a reliable, fast transit service while contributing to sustainability by reducing traffic congestion and related emissions.”

It is the latest award on the multi-billion-dollar Calgary Green Line. SNC-Lavalin won the role of delivery partner in January this year, to oversee delivery of phase one.