The LRT Line 1 east extension to Trim Road is approaching the finish line as final construction and testing is nearing completion, OC Transpo told the Transit Committee in its latest report.
Transit Committee received the report from Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar on June 12 as an update on the Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project, which includes extensions east and west.
According to the report, the east extension is now undergoing software upgrades and operator training in addition to ongoing testing and final construction. The stations are also all complete.
The next step will be Substantial Completion, which is expected to be completed in Q2, and will be followed by trial running before the system begins service.
The west extension to Moodie Road is still undergoing construction of stations, guideway, track and infrastructure, the report said, resulting in a series of traffic detours that “continue to be necessary”.
The stations along the west extension, including Moodie, Pinecrest and Queensview on Line 3, are undergoing testing and interior finishes. The Line 1 stations, including Westboro, Iris, Algonquin, Lincoln Fields and Kichi Zìbì are nearing completion and “progressing well”, the memo said. Construction of the pedestrian bridge at Algonquin Station is also ongoing.
The contingency fund for stage 1 is $115 million, of which $102 million has been spent, and remaining funds are expected to address property requirements.
The original contingency fund for stage 2 was $152 million but was increased by $25 million by City council in 2022 and another $110 million in 2023 due to “unforseen costs and improvements.”
According to the report, approximately $260 million of the stage 2 contingency fund has been committed to date.
East/West Connectors (EWC) was awarded the contract to design, build and finance the Confederation Line, also known as Line 1, in 2019. The project will extend Line 1 from blair Station to Trim Station in the east and from Tunney’s Pasture to Moodie Station (Line 3) and Algonquin Station in the west.
It was also announced at the meeting that after nearly four years as general manager, Amilcar will be leaving OC Transpo to head Quebec’s transportation agency as president and CEO of Mobilité Infra Québec.
At the committee meeting, chair Glen Gower commended Amilcar for overseeing the launch of Lines 2 and 4, redesigning the Ottawa bus network, and improving the public perception of public transit.
“We should all be very proud of the progress we’ve made toward improving customer service, restoring public trust and building a stronger, more reliable transit system,” Amilcar told committee and staff. “I will say that OC Transpo is on the right path, guided by strong civic leaders and a dedicated workforce. I’m very sad to be leaving.”
