Pioneering Sustainable Urban Transit: The South Shore Segment of Montréal’s REM

As the owner’s engineer, CIMA+ worked closely with CDPQ Infra in managing the project for the South Shore segment of the REM (Réseau express métropolitain). This section, linking Brossard and Gare Centrale stations, was inaugurated in July 2023, marking the first step in the commercial commissioning of this major public transit project in Montréal.

Ultimately, the REM network will represent a major step forward in the modernization of transportation infrastructure between Montréal and its surrounding areas. Designed to improve public transit, the project was efficiently managed by CIMA+ in collaboration with its client, CDPQ Infra. A design-build management approach enabled agile management, promoting rapid and remarkable progress, unprecedented for a project of this scale.

The South Shore segment of the project won the megaproject award at the prestigious FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) conference, as well as a Grand Prix in the Project Management category at the Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois 2024, organized by the Association des firmes de génie-conseil du Québec (AFG).

 

lEARN MORE ABOUT AWARDS WON BY THIS PROJECT

 

Credit: JF Savaria

 

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project for the South Shore segment represents a major step forward in Montréal’s urban transportation infrastructure, responding to the region’s growing mobility needs. Led by CIMA+ and its business partners, this innovative and ambitious project has overcome numerous technical and logistical challenges to offer a sustainable, efficient and modern transportation solution.

 

Innovative nature of the project

One of the most innovative aspects was information management. Some 13,800 documents were produced for this segment, which required rigorous coordination. Advanced document management tools, such as P6, Tilos, Acumen and PowerBI, were used to centralize data, monitor progress in real time and anticipate conflicts. These solutions made it possible to meet tight deadlines despite the pandemic.

The design-build approach, divided into two contracts, accelerated the implementation of the infrastructure. This method, combined with agile, proactive management, was crucial in adapting the project to unforeseen circumstances and meeting deadlines.

 

 

Responding to the client’s specific needs

To meet the client’s need for fluid, efficient transportation, the project team implemented a strategy of close collaboration with several partners, including government agencies, private companies and municipal authorities. A joint project office was established to optimize communication and coordination between all stakeholders, facilitating discussions, the sharing of expertise, and rapid decision-making, essential for a project of this scale.

The agile approach adopted by the team enabled continuous adaptation to the client’s requirements and to the contingencies of the project, including the impact of the pandemic and changes in planning. In addition, to limit disruption, complex phasing was developed to ensure harmonious cohabitation with other projects underway, such as the construction of the Champlain Bridge, and with existing infrastructure assets such as the CN tracks and Highway 10.

 

 

Benefits for the environment and the community

The REM stands out for its ecological contribution, particularly its use of a clean, renewable energy source to promote transportation electrification. This transition reduces car dependency and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 16,800 tonnes a year. An environmental monitoring program has been implemented, incorporating measures such as tree planting and the creation of spawning grounds to protect biodiversity.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the REM project generates significant socio-economic advantages for the metropolitan region. By facilitating access to urban areas and employment hubs, it contributes to the economic development and integration of surrounding neighbourhoods. In addition, the economic spin-offs are significant: some 7,500 direct and indirect jobs were created each year during construction, and the project generated over $4 billion in spin-offs for the local economy.

 

Crédit: Ulysse

 

 

Conclusion

The South Shore segment of the REM project is a model of innovation, collaboration and sustainability in urban transportation. Thanks to advanced information management, an agile approach and an ecological vision, CIMA+ and its business partners have risen to the challenges of this major project while meeting the needs of the community. This modern infrastructure redefines commuting in Montréal, offering citizens a sustainable system that takes tomorrow’s requirements into account.

Services

Project Management

  • Close collaboration with the client (CDPQ Infra) for efficient project management
  • Implementation of a design-build approach to accelerate infrastructure deployment
  • Agile and proactive management to adapt to unforeseen events and meet deadlines
  • Rigorous coordination of documentation, managing 13,800 documents for the segment
  • Use of advanced document management tools (P6, Tilos, Acumen, and PowerBI) to centralize data, monitor real-time progress, and anticipate conflicts
  • Audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) of IAC and MRSEM suppliers
  • On-site audits to validate the application of the QMS by IAC and MRSEM suppliers during construction activities, including compliance with identified hold and surveillance points in the inspection and test plans (ITPs)
  • Audits of permanent material suppliers
  • Review of QMS and project management documentation of IAC and MRSEM suppliers
  • Identification, handling, and follow-up of non-conformities and performance deviations
  • Monitoring of provisional and final acceptance processes
  • Support to the project team in identifying, tracking, and resolving project quality issues
  • Maintenance of quality records

 

 

Collaboration and Coordination Strategy

  • Establishment of a shared project office to optimize communication and coordination among stakeholders
  • Close collaboration with government agencies, private companies, and municipal bodies

Impact Management and Phasing

  • Development of complex phasing strategies to reduce disruptions and ensure coexistence with other ongoing projects (such as the Champlain Bridge) and existing infrastructure

Environmental Monitoring

  • Implementation of an environmental monitoring program
  • Integration of ecological measures such as tree planting and the creation of fish habitats to protect biodiversity

Support for Innovation

  • Adoption of innovative practices and technologies to overcome the technical and logistical challenges of the project
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