Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Infra (CDPQ Infra) has awarded two contracts related to the development of the Montreal’s nearly $5bn Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project.

The infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) deal was awarded to the Groupe NouvLR consortium, while the provision of rolling stock and systems, as well as the operation and maintenance (RSSOM) contract was secured by Groupe des Partenaires pour la Mobilité des Montréalais (PMM).

Groupe NouvLR comprises SNC Lavalin Grands Projets, Dragados Canada, Groupe Aecon Québec Ltée, Pomerleau and EBC, while participants in the NouvLR Conception include SNC Lavalin and Aecom Consultants.

“Through hard work with the consortia, we met our objectives for the REM. The network will provide frequent and fast service, making the day-to-day easier for Greater Montréal.”

The PMM consortium consists of Alstom Transport Canada and SNC-Lavalin O&M.

CDPQ president and CEO Michael Sabia said: “Since the very start of the project less than two years ago, we have been meeting with the public, municipalities, transportation companies and other stakeholders.

“We listened to their ideas and suggestions, which turned into innovative solutions and continuously improved our project.

“Through hard work with the consortia, we met our objectives for the REM.

“The network will provide frequent and fast service, making the day-to-day easier for Greater Montréal.”

Both consortia are now expected to harmonise their respective proposals to finalise the details of their work schedules over the next few months.

Construction of the REM is set to begin in April following the consolidation of the work schedules.

Initial testing will be conducted at the end of 2020, while the first branch of the REM is expected to become operational in 2021.

The whole project is expected to cost C$6.3bn ($5bn), which represents a nearly 5% variation from the initial estimate.