The Davenport Diamond Guideway project is part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program. To support future two-way all-day GO service on the Barrie line, Graham is building a rail grade separation, eliminating the Davenport Diamond crossing where the Barrie GO corridor meets the Canadian Pacific Rail tracks – one of the busiest train intersections in North America. This project represents an important transit infrastructure commitment that will improve service on the Barrie GO line while adding to the vitality of the community.
In 2019, Graham was selected to deliver the $175 million design-build-finance contract. The project includes construction of a new rail grade separation between GO Transit’s Barrie line and CP Rail’s North Toronto subdivision, as well as the addition of a second main line track on the Barrie line. Also included is the staged demolition and reconstruction of a rail over road bridge at Bloor Street, new rail over road bridge at Wallace Avenue, rehabilitation of rail over road bridges at Dupont Street and Davenport Road, and a pedestrian underpass at Paton Road.
To allow construction of the new grade separation in a logistically challenging site with an active rail line, Graham had to construct a temporary diversion track within the existing rail corridor so that Barrie train service could continue during construction.
Once the grade separation is complete in 2023, new public space including a multi-use path will be created underneath the raised guideway, that will enhance the community experience, improve safety and connect neighbourhoods previously cut off by the Barrie line.
