Issue 4 Fall 2016 IN THIS ISSUE: Construction Progress Western Stations Downtown Stations Queen and Rideau Streetscaping Eastern Stations Where We ve Been Where We re Going Stage 2 Update CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS 2016 has been marked by exciting developments on the O-Train Confederation Line. All 13 stations are now under construction and, particularly in the east, the progress is clearly visible to passers-by. The final section of the Transitway was closed this summer. Station and guideway construction along the alignment now stretches from Tunney s Pasture Station to Blair Station. Residents can observe the completed track work between Cyrville and Blair stations. The system was energized at Belfast Yard in September so that testing can begin on the LRT vehicles in the coming months (see page 4). Future Pimisi Station Work Begins at the Western Stations Now that construction of the eastern stations has advanced, crews have begun constructing the foundations at Tunney s Pasture, Bayview and Pimisi stations. The new Tunney s Pasture Station will act as a hub for transit customers, while Bayview Station will connect those moving north and south using the O-Train Trillium Line. The new Booth Street Bridge was also completed and traffic resumed on Booth Street on September 4. This past summer, the City hosted an exciting media event with partners from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Algonquins of Ontario, to celebrate the future Pimisi Station. The design of Pimisi Station is a special one. It was developed in consultation with the Algonquin Anishinabe First Nation and will incorporate an Algonquin cultural theme, reflecting both their historical and contemporary cultural significance. The public artworks at the station are being created by Algonquin Anishinabe artists. The work will symbolize the Algonquin Anishinabe First Nation s strong bond to the land and the importance of their culture. Participants at the event got a sneak peek of the newest station renderings, and of what this unique station will look like. Pimisi Station ground-breaking event 1
Downtown Stations Update Underground, the excavation of the three downtown station caverns Lyon, Parliament and Rideau is now complete. The last 50 metres of tunnelling excavation is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. Work continues at all three downtown stations. Parliament and Lyon stations have progressed significantly, with structural steel installed at station entrances and station concourse concrete work advancing. Lyon Station is slated to be completed ahead of the other downtown stations in preparation for 2017 celebrations. To showcase this modern mode of travel and to build anticipation for this new era of transportation in the nation s capital, Lyon Station will be open to the public for a free, innovative multimedia experience in the summer of 2017. The full concept and title of this spectacular sound and light fantasy voyage will be revealed soon. In the meantime, here s a sneak peek! 2017 celebrations light show event The transformation has begun at both uottawa and Lees stations. Existing structures have been removed and the construction of state-of-the-art stations has begun. These new stations will improve connections to the University of Ottawa, Rideau Canal and adjacent communities for pedestrians, cyclists and transit customers. 2
Issue 4 Fall 2016 Queen and Rideau Streetscaping Construction of the Rideau Station entrances is ongoing, including work on the mid-station elevators, rebar, forming and pouring concrete foundations and walls. The opening of this station in 2018, along with the recently renovated Rideau Centre, will contribute to the rejuvenation of Rideau Street, an all-important renewal for one of the capital s most prominent streets in the downtown core. The Queen Street streetscaping project began over the summer to transform the street in preparation for the integration of Parliament and Lyon stations. To showcase Queen Street as Ottawa s premier Transit Showcase Street, the project will include improved pedestrian, cycling and vehicle infrastructure. This work is slated to be complete in time for the launch of the O-Train Confederation Line. Progress at the Eastern Stations The most visible progress on the O-Train Confederation Line is at the easternmost stations, particularly Blair and Cyrville, both of which can be seen from the Queensway/174. The east stations, which also include Hurdman, Tremblay and St-Laurent, are scheduled for substantial completion in the new year. Construction is almost completed on the Belfast Yard Maintenance and Storage Facility, with just some final finishing touches remaining. Inside the building, Alstom continues vehicle assembly. To date, six of the 34 vehicles are in production. Stay on track with us as we progress toward the launch of the O-Train Confederation Line in 2018! Follow our weekly construction updates at ottawa.ca/confederationline. Cyrville Station construction progress looking east Vehicle and overhead catenary system at Belfast Yard 3
ENERGIZING THE O-TRAIN CONFEDERATION LINE MOVING TOWARDS 2018 The overhead wires that supply power to the LRT electric vehicles have started to be energized in the eastern section of the alignment and testing of vehicles will begin in the coming months. The first section to be energized was the Belfast Yard Maintenance and Storage Facility. Energizing of the wires will move in phases from Blair to Tremblay stations over the coming weeks. Reminder: Live wires/no Trespassing Although energizing and train testing is an exciting milestone, potential safety hazards exist that the public should be aware of in order to stay safe. Please remember Never enter the railway corridor; Never try to reach the wires or throw things at them. Do not fly kites or any other airborne object near the LRT corridor. Stay clear of the corridor at all times to avoid the risk of electrocution; Stay away from the tracks at all times. Since there are no at-grade crossings and the entire alignment is fenced off and secure, there is no reason for anyone to be on or near the tracks at any time; Parents are encouraged to educate their children about rail and electrical safety, and discourage them from going near the LRT corridor at any time; and Please adhere to all safety signage and never enter a construction site. 4
IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Construction Progress Where We ve Been Where We re Going uottawa Station construction progress Visit ottawa.ca/confederationline to sign up for regular construction updates WHERE WE VE BEEN Summer/Fall 2016 Highlights Belfast Yard nears completion Construction began at Tunney s Pasture Station East and West Portal ramp construction began Reconstruction of the CPR Bridge (bridge over Trillium Line) begins at Bayview Station Booth Street reopened between Albert Street and Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway Queen Street renewal continues (ongoing until 2018) Replacement of the Mann Avenue Bridge began WHERE WE RE GOING Fall 2016/ Winter 2017 Excavation of the running tunnel completed Substantial completion of Tremblay, St-Laurent, Cyrville and Blair stations in winter 2017 Tunnel vent shafts at Lyon Station substantially completed Energization of the Overhead Catenary System Commencement of train testing at Belfast Yard and between Tremblay and Blair stations DID YOU KNOW Contributing to a greener Ottawa O-Train Confederation Line vehicles with zero emissions Reduced road vehicle emissions each year: 94,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases 4,500 tonnes of criteria air contaminants Reduced use of: 10 million litres of diesel fuel 5,600 tonnes of roadway salt In addition: Regenerative braking saves electric power by recycling waste energy as electricity for other trains on the system STAGE 2 UPDATE THE FUTURE OF LIGHT RAIL IN OTTAWA As Ottawa continues to grow as a world-class city, light rail will provide a reliable and sustainable way to meet the needs of those who call Ottawa home, along with the many visitors who come here from all over the world. Stage 2 LRT will further expand Ottawa s O-Train network to create a system that, when complete in 2023, will have more than 50 kilometres of rail. Stage 2 will include three extensions: east from Blair Station to Trim Road, west from Tunney s Pasture Station to Bayshore and Baseline and south from Greenboro to Bowesville in Riverside South. It will also include a link to the Ottawa International Airport. Construction is set to begin in 2018-19. For more information on Stage 2 LRT go to www.stage2lrt.ca. 5