Construction work for the new pedestrian tunnel at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Canada is nearing completion, with Toronto Port Authority (PortsToronto) receiving a ‘substantial completion’ certificate from an independent certifier. The certificate means that construction will now enter a new phase with a proposed opening date of late July 2015.
The remaining project work will be undertaken by engineering firm PCL Construction and includes the commissioning of one elevator, the implementation of a new digital out-of-home advertising platform, and the installation of safety and security systems. The tunnel was built at a cost of approximately US$82.5m and has been financed by the private sector.
Mark McQueen, chairman, PortsToronto, said, “After more than three years of work by PCL Construction and its trades, the PortsToronto team is pleased to announce this significant milestone. The tunnel will facilitate business travel, tourism and trade in our city, and our strong financial performance has provided the means to invest in this innovative infrastructure project. First announced in 1935, the tunnel is now closer than ever.”
Geoffrey Wilson, CEO of PortsToronto, added, “Over the coming days and weeks, PCL Construction will complete the remaining work in the tunnel in an effort to bring us closer to opening day. These final construction and service elements will take a few more weeks to complete but we look forward to receiving our first travelers in late July and showcasing the award-winning innovation that has gone into the tunnel to improve access to the airport and provide passengers with a world-class travel experience.”
June 2, 2015