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Contract awarded to build Third Crossing bridge in Kingston

After a thorough request for proposals (RFP) and evaluation phase, the City of Kingston has selected Peter Kiewit Sons ULC (Kiewit), Hatch Ltd. (Hatch) and SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies (SYSTRA) as the preferred proponent for the detailed design and building of the Third Crossing project.

“Infrastructure projects like the Third Crossing bridge in Kingston connect people, support job creation, and boost economic development opportunities,” said Mark Gerretsen, MP for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This is why the Government of Canada is providing unprecedented funding and support for public infrastructure projects that help grow the middle class and promote the long-term prosperity of communities across the country.”

“Today is another significant step in moving this project forward,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “This is the largest infrastructure project our city will undertake for years to come, employing hundreds of people over several years. I am just thrilled and excited to get construction started.”

Kiewit, Hatch and SYSTRA were one of three shortlisted proponents to submit a proposal on the bridge project. Seven international teams initially applied for the job when requests for proposals were issued in February 2018.

“After a comprehensive and competitive procurement process, we’re happy that Kiewit, Hatch and SYSTRA are joining the Third Crossing project,” says Mark Van Buren, deputy commissioner and project director. “We started this process with seven exceptional international firms interested in coming to Kingston to work on this job and today we’ve selected the top proponent team. Having this collaborative team will ensure we build the best bridge possible for all residents while helping meet our long term transportation goals.”

To deliver this project on time and on budget the City has chosen an Integrated Project Delivery model (IPD). This model is similar to a design-build model with the exception that the City of Kingston, along with the contracted design and construction partners, will work within the defined $180M budget and share the risk and reward to deliver the best possible bridge. The four teams develop shared goals and accept responsibilities as equal partners.

“After a comprehensive and competitive procurement process, we’re happy that Kiewit, Hatch and SYSTRA are joining the Third Crossing project,” said Mark Van Buren, deputy commissioner and project director. “We started this process with seven exceptional international firms interested in coming to Kingston to work on this job and today we’ve selected the top proponent team. Having this collaborative team will ensure we build the best bridge possible for all residents while helping meet our long term transportation goals.”

From September 2018 through to December 2019, the new project team will be doing early site preparation, conducting additional environmental and geotechnical investigations to inform the work with Parks Canada, and working through design validation. Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in summer 2019. The project is being jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Kingston.

“We are thrilled to be working with the City of Kingston on this very important community project,” said Mark Mallett, project director, Kiewit Sons ULC. “We’ve been following the evolution of this project for several years wanting to ultimately be the final team standing here today. We’re excited to be working on the Third Crossing project, the first IPD bridge in North America and ready to get to work.”

Once complete the new 1.2km bridge will extend over the Cataraqui River connecting the east side and west side communities. A new two-lane bridge will improve emergency services response, increase active transportation through a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, create business connections on the east and west sides of the river, and enhance the life of residents and visitors of Kingston meeting the highest engineering standards.

“Hatch is delighted to be involved in the largest ever infrastructure undertaking by the City of Kingston,” stated Philip Murray, global director, EPC and AFP, Hatch Ltd. “We are looking forward to providing the very best of Hatch for this opportunity and hope to create something truly representative of this community.” 

The new project team is looking forward to connecting with residents and hearing ideas about integrating the new bridge into the Kingston community. Communication and engagement programs will be part of the bridge’s detailed design and construction phases later in 2018 and into 2019. The team has also launched a City of Kingston Get Involved page and encourages residents to ask questions to the project team.

“This is an important community project that will make a positive impact on the lives of Kingston residents,” said Zachary McGain, Canadian general manager for SYSTRA IBT. “As an international company with a strong track record in bridge design, we are proud to be part of the team delivering North America’s first IPD bridge. Together, we will blend technical innovation and aesthetic design to deliver the best value for the City of Kingston.”

To watch the funding announcement of the project, click here.

For more information about Third Crossing, visit thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca.