Light Rail Sub-Committee hears O-Train South Extension update

Today, the City's Light Rail Sub-Committee received a construction update on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension and approved a detailed report on the preparations, testing, and trial running reporting that will precede the opening of the system, expected this fall.

The Trillium Line, to be renamed O-Train Lines 2 and 4, originally ran between Bayview and Greenboro stations. The extension adds approximately 12 kilometres of new track to the existing eight kilometres and will stretch to the Riverside South community at the new terminal, Limebank Station. The project also includes an additional four-kilometre extension to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Rail installation and station works are nearing completion.

The Sub-Committee received an update on steps required before revenue service. These include construction status, plans for testing and commissioning, trial running requirements, required bus network changes, and public launch plans. Testing and commissioning have already started and will be enhanced throughout the summer. The Sub-Committee approved the reporting process to Council for the trial running period. Staff will provide daily summaries of the previous day's performance and a technical briefing following completion.

The Sub-Committee also received a peer review report from SYSTRA Canada and RAPT Dev Canada, who worked in partnership to provide a comprehensive review of the Stage 2 project. The firms analyzed TransitNEXT's work on the Trillium Line to identify any potential issues or challenges that might arise when service begins. The report made 47 recommendations involving project management, rail infrastructure, rail systems, operations and maintenance, and safety. The City and TransitNEXT have formulated and implemented a comprehensive response and action plan to address all 47 recommendations.

Items from today's meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, June 14.

Source : City of Ottawa