Réseau express métropolitain

4th-largest automated transportation network in the world

26 new stations and 67 km of new tracks

First fully automated electric transportation network

Québec's largest public transit project in 50 years

Challenges

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project is the first project of its kind carried out by the Caisse de dépôt et placement Infra (CDPQ Infra). It is Québec’s largest public transit project in fifty years.
REM’s fully automated (GOA4), 100% electric light metro will have 26 stations and 67 km of tracks across Greater Montréal. REM will be fully integrated with existing transport lines and must be built to withstand Canadian winters.
REM will offer frequent reliable urban transit service 20 hours a day, 7 days a week to improve quality of life for citizens and promote economic development in Greater Montréal.
Detailed project compatibility analysis in terms of Montréal’s urban planning and existing transportation networks to plan out track placement, station locations, train design, and landscape architecture.
Environmental impact study to respond to the needs of the client and stakeholders’ concerns about financing and implementing the project and conserving environmentally vulnerable natural areas.
Reconceptualization of work in February 2020 to adjust for health and safety standards and government directives for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discovery of explosive material in Mount Royal Tunnel, leftover from the original construction a century ago, made work come to a halt on July 20, 2020.
Implementation of new technology.

Solutions

An environmental impact study addressing local stakeholders’ concerns and conducted according to the specifications of the Ministère de l’Environnement, completed in a record time of six months. Conservation measures integrated into the project to protect vulnerable species in natural environments. The environmental study informed the environmental technical specifications for bids on the project, valued at $6 billion.
CDPQ Infra chose Hatch and CIMA (CCH) as owner’s engineers to conduct the project’s preliminary studies, environmental study, the design of the Mount Royal Tunnel rehabilitation and the preliminary conceptual design as well as oversee implementation, technical support, site supervision, related projects procurement, project controls and overall monitoring.
Adaptation to CNESST standards for work in the downtown core, with excavation, drilling, and other tasks performed using remote-controlled equipment.
On-site studies and tests to identify stray current leakage and corrective measures conducted with the latest technology, developed by Hatch.
Support provided for CDPQ Infra and contractors (NouvLR and GPMM), to manage complex challenges, especially related to work in a densely populated urban area. To maintain health and safety standards on-site, CCH conducted OHS audits, quality assurance audits and safety walks, addressed non-compliance, supported acceptance of CDPQ Infra and third-party work, monitored timelines and supply chain cost containment, conducted environmental audits, implemented conservation measures, and supported noise mitigation and water management.

Highlights

Sequential demolition approach to create a vault above the existing double arch in Mount Royal Tunnel, with demolition and replacement conducted in twelve sequences while respecting maximum surface settlement values and staying on budget.
An innovative approach to emergency plan deployment and remote work management, both to comply with CNESST safety requirements for the Mount Royal Tunnel section and respond to the pandemic.
Demolition in the southern section of the Mount Royal Tunnel was completed 102 days earlier than planned thanks to an analysis of the site’s specific conditions and lessons learned from previous sequences.
Preservation of heritage archaeological sites, natural wetlands, minimization of impact on aquatic, agricultural, and forest environments based on the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec-approved environmental study.
Project design incorporated a serious study of potential impacts on surrounding communities to reduce disturbances during construction work. Security concerns and constraints occasioned multiple adaptations in decision-making.
The first departures were on July 31, 2023, between the Brossard and Gare Centrale stations. The Anse-à-l’Orme and Deux-Montagnes routes will be commissioned in late 2024. The Montreal Airport route is scheduled to be commissioned in 2027.

Project numbers

26 new light metro stations across Greater Montréal.
67 km of new tracks.
Mount Royal Tunnel used continuously since it was built 100 years ago.
92 m of tunnel to replace and 290 m to restore.
Sequential Demolition Method: an innovative approach using 12 demolition sequences.
Departures every 3 minutes and 45 seconds during rush hour and every 7 minutes and 30 seconds during off-peak hours, beginning July 2023.
Up to 42,000 people during rush hour (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.).
Édouard-Montpetit station is the second-deepest station in North America (70 m).
The Alice tunnel boring machine, used in the airport route, drilled 2.5 km of the tunnel, installed 10,115 segmental linings, and excavated more than 10,000 m³ of soil.