The Eastern REM is continuing its path towards full completion in 2029. The project manager launched a first call for tenders on Tuesday, sent internationally.
The market notice, launched by CDPQ Infra, the “infrastructures” subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, contains four distinct contracts: one for the construction of a tunnel, one for the overhead structure, one for the supply of rolling stock and one for network operation. Submission deadlines stretch from spring 2022 to summer 2023.
The document presented on Tuesday also confirms the Caisse’s intention to erect a 24-kilometer aerial structure in the east of the island, as well as an underground branch to the northeast and downtown. . The route remains unchanged. It will link Pointe-aux-Trembles and Ville-Marie, in addition to serving the Cégep Marie-Victorin.
Since last year, the project manager has been facing a hail of criticism because he wants to pass the REM up high on most of the route. CDPQ Infra maintains that it is impossible to proceed otherwise, but several groups of citizens fear that the appearance of aerial structures will disfigure the landscape of eastern Montreal.
Last spring, the government of Quebec – which is a partner – mandated a committee of experts to look into the architectural integration of the project into the urban landscape. His report is expected by the end of the year.
Also criticized for having accepted several foreign offers during the development of the first branch of the Metropolitan Express Network (REM), CDPQ Infra is not closing the door to working with outside companies. The notice published on Tuesday is aimed precisely at “Quebec and foreign companies”.
Last year, CDPQ Infra had mentioned anticipated costs of $ 10 billion for the public transport project. For the moment, the bill is not growing.
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