NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT CORPORATION
************************
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) is proud to announce the Yonge Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has won 2022 Public Works Project of the Year awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA).
Project of the Year awards are given to organizations that promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects and recognize the alliance between the managing agency, the contractor, the consultant and their cooperative achievements. YRRTC, along with its consultant, Jacobs and contractor, York RapidLINK Constructors (Joint Venture of Dufferin Construction – A CRH Company and Aecon), are proud to be among this year’s elite group of winners from all over North America and have the Yonge Street BRT project recognized. Both awards were in the Transportation category, in APWA’s over $75 million division and OPWA’s over $50 million division.
The Yonge Street BRT project is part of 34 kilometres of dedicated lanes for bus rapid transit throughout York Region, funded by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario. Over the past decade, YRRTC has worked closely with federal, provincial and municipal partners on planning and building several award-winning projects, including bus facilities and terminals.
The Yonge Street BRT project will connect with the Yonge North Subway Extension, which is currently underway as part of the next phase of rapid transit projects. This next phase also includes 132 more kilometres of bus rapid transit to meet the goals of York Region’s 2051 Rapid Transit Network Plan.
“As Chair of YRRTC’s Board of Directors, I’m proud of the success of the rapid transit projects throughout York Region, demonstrating the value government partnerships can bring to our communities,” said Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham. “We deliver much needed rapid transit and awards like this one acknowledge the transformation we are making as we enhance urban design and make these transit corridors attractive places. Building on these partnerships, we must move the next phase of rapid transit forward together.”
“Transportation remains a top issue for half of all York Region residents, and York Regional Council continues to make record-level investments in transportation and transportation-related projects,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Rapid transit corridors provide travellers with increased safety, efficient and accessible roadways and improved access to sustainable travel, including transit, cycling and walking. This important infrastructure continues to support growth in our communities for generations.”
“APWA is honuored to celebrate the 2022 Projects of the Year awards. The award recipients exemplify infrastructure projects planned, designed, constructed, and maintained to advance the quality of life for all in their communities. Public works projects are critical to confronting the challenges of failing infrastructure across North America, by rebuilding our resiliency and telling our story to support infrastructure funding,” said APWA President Stan Brown, PE, PWLF. “I am proud and inspired by all of our public works members who continue to deliver outstanding, selfless services to their communities, even in times of a pandemic and emergencies.”
************************
