The government of British Columbia is releasing another tender for work that will lay the groundwork for major construction of the Evergreen Line.

Three light-industrial buildings in the 3000 block of Spring Street will be modified to accommodate construction of the Evergreen Line guideway along the railway tracks in Port Moody. The government has purchased the land rights necessary to modify the buildings, and the work is being completed on behalf of the building owners at their request.

The work is anticipated to begin after the contract is awarded in fall 2012 and will be completed in early 2013. Minimal disruption is anticipated to traffic, and businesses in the vicinity will be notified in advance if required.

The building modifications are part of a series of early works construction for the Evergreen Line. Early works construction lays the groundwork for major construction and helps keep the construction schedule on track.

Other early works activities are well underway or nearing completion, including the widening of North Road in Burnaby, the installation of hydro poles in Coquitlam and power supply upgrades in Port Moody.

The public is encouraged to call the free traffic information line at 604 927-2080 to receive the most up-to-date information related to Evergreen Line construction in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Burnaby.

Major construction will begin after the major contractor is selected in fall 2012. The Evergreen Line will open in summer 2016 providing rapid transit for the first time to the communities of Coquitlam and Port Moody, as well as the students of Douglas College.

Construction cost for the Evergreen Line is estimated to be $1.4 billion. Funding is being provided by the government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and TransLink. The B.C. government is contributing $583 million and will also oversee construction of the project. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $417 million. TransLink is contributing $400 million and will operate the Evergreen Line when it is complete. Construction of the Evergreen Line will create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.

For more information:

The tender is available online: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Evergreen Line's website: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

Follow the Evergreen Line on Facebook: www.facebook.com/evergreenline

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241