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The statement of claim was submitted in January.

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TTC CEO Andy Byford, who would not comment on the content of the lawsuit, said that in addition to challenges that have slowed the project’s construction, such as the harsh conditions of this past winter, the company hasn’t stuck to the agreed-upon timeline.

“Equally we would argue there are other elements that are within the contractors’ control and certainly where contractors have got behind schedule through reasons that we believe are within their control, then obviously we need to consider how we’re going to address that,” said Mr. Byford. He added that “in any big construction job there are inevitably claims and counter-claims. That’s not unique to transit.”

Andrew McAlpine, head of Arup Canada, said in a statement that the firm is responding to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit is “primarily related to commercial issues that we were unable to conclude in negotiation,” Mr. McAlpine wrote. “While we are responding in due course, we remain confident of an amicable resolution and continue to keep our focus on delivering a successful project to improve public transportation in York Region and the City of Toronto.”

Mr. Byford said the timeframe has been a challenge from the beginning as construction was initially delayed while the TTC secured funding for the project. It’s also been held up by various delays including a fatal accident in 2011 that killed a construction worker at the York University station.

The TTC says further claims against the companies contracted for the project are likely if certain work isn’t completed on time.

Staff are reviewing the project’s schedule to find ways in which it might be accelerated and the TTC will report back in early 2015, says Mr. Byford.