Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/663706
94 | A PR IL 2016 UP Express Pearson station we saw an opportunity to provide digital signage for info- entertainment purposes, and AirLINX was able to back-step and co-ordinate this element without missing any key deadlines," says Crespi. In fact, the biggest challenge from WSP/MMM's viewpoint was not so much related to actual construction, but more administrative in nature. Crespi explains, "Anytime we lifted a girder or had to block a road, we had to get approval from the various stakeholders, including the GTAA. This is totally understandable, and we were all motivated by health and safety goals. Fortunately, we built a level of trust with all parties over time that facilitated the approval process." Although so much attention was focused on the civil engineering aspects of UP Express, Greatrix stresses that architecture was hugely important: "We wanted a product that would be good for the community and the airport – and thanks to the architects' expertise, the Pearson station's branding and appearance is unique, with spectacular Y columns, terrazzo granite floors and laminate wood ceiling." The wood elements, most noticeable in the upper walls and ceiling (which are lined by slabs of oak), were intended to lend a Canadian character to the space. Mindful that with every stage of construction UP Express was cutting through populated areas, Metrolinx assessed noise impacts and retained IBI Group to prepare a tender package for design, supply and install of noise barriers and security fencing. Brennan Paving & Construction Ltd. was selected as the general contractor, and Armtec was retained retained to design, supply and install what would turn out to be over 10,000 linear metres of precast concrete and transparent acrylic noise abatement panels along the rail corridor. Mike Edwards, Armtec's North American sales director for noise barrier systems, says that the acrylic sheets, set on precast bases and rising five to six metres in height, "reduced the appearance of height and let sunlight into peoples' backyards. Although we were the last contract tendered, this proved to be the largest noise abatement project ever in North America. Installation was extremely difficult and required us to be on site in three or four hour windows, and at night – but we're extremely happy with the result." While construction of the UP Express line was substantially completed by July of 2014, Metrolinx then entered the next commissioning phase of the project: system testing of 18 brand new diesel trains supplied by Nippon Sharyo of Japan. In doing so, Metrolinx ensured they were testing the most advanced trains that met the strictest environmental standards. Today, with the trains running from Union Station to Pearson every 15 minutes, seven days a week, 19.5 hours a day, UP Express has done away with the stress associated with what was almost universally regarded as a notorious journey between Toronto and Pearson, on the traffic-choked Gardiner Expressway. More importantly, though, UP Express is a testament to how a complex civil engineering project can be brought to fruition with a minimum of setbacks. Greatrix says, "The project has been very well received by Torontonians and of course by us. To say this was a productive, collaborative effort would be an understatement." Frank Panacci, director, heavy rail for Infrastructure Ontario, concludes, "The UP Express was a unique project for Infrastructure Ontario. We are proud to have partnered with Metrolinx on this important project to help turn a vision of a convenient and efficient express rail train between downtown Toronto and Pearson Airport into reality." A PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN RAHN & A FRAME/COURTESY METROLINX 2285 Speers Road • Oakville • ON L6L 2X9 Tel: 905-469-6442 • Fax: 905-469-9662 www.mgsteel.ca M&G St eel ltd. Structural Steel Fabricator 25+ YearS experience • Project Management • Engineering • Drafting • Fabrication • Erection Steel.indd 1 16-03-18 9:58 AM June 2016 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Sustainable Design Strategies Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358