O-Train Confederation Line progress on time, on budget

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
City of Ottawa

The O-Train Confederation Line LRT project in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, remains on track, on time and on budget.

 

“Once completed, the O-Train Confederation Line will be one of the most advanced and innovative transit systems in North America and will serve as the foundation of the city of Ottawa’s planned citywide O-Train network,” said Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi. “This project will make transit more reliable and accessible for residents and visitors in the region and is a clear example of how all three levels of government are working together to provide better transportation options for Ottawa residents.”

“Construction on the O-Train Confederation Line continues to boost our economy and provide quality jobs. In total, this project will generate $3.2 billion in economic activity and more than 20,000 person-years of employment. Once complete, the new system will support our commitment to providing more reliable and efficient transit choices for commuters in Ottawa,” said Member of Provincial Parliament John Fraser.

The future Tremblay Station, which is under construction now, will be located west of the former Train Transitway Station and southwest of the existing D-ring road in front of the VIA Rail Canada Station on Tremblay Road. Residents using this station will also be able to easily access Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park and local businesses on either side of Highway 417 via the recently opened Coventry Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge.

Construction on Tremblay Station began in summer 2015 and is anticipated to be completed by end of winter 2017.

Features of the new station will include covered eastbound and westbound platforms with in-floor heat tracing to prevent ice and snow accumulation; passenger information displays on platforms for next train arrival time; a covered pedestrian connection to the existing VIA Rail station; a connection to existing multi-use pathways; a full range of accessibility features, including accessible benches, elevators and tactile direction; indicator surfaces for ease of navigation; 16 bike racks located in prominent, well-lit locations and a public plaza on the south side of the station entrance.

The O-Train Confederation Line is a CA$2.1 billion (US$1.5 billion) project that is jointly funded by the Canadian government, the province of Ontario and the city of Ottawa. The Canadian government is contributing CA$600 million (US$417 million). The city of Ottawa will also allocate up to CA$161.5 million (US$ 112.4 million) of its federal Gas Tax Fund transfers to this project and CA$287 million (US$ 200 million) of provincial gas tax transfers to the capital infrastructure. The remaining project budget funds will come from development charge revenues and transit reserves.

 

Tags: