Confederation Line West Extension
EWC is nearing the completion of geotechnical investigation and surveying work along the Confederation Line East and West extensions. In some areas, temporary and intermittent night work may be required to minimize impacts to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Applications for noise exemptions will be submitted to Ward Councillors.
In Q4 2019, the west bound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) Parkway were shifted north as part of a temporary realignment to make space for the future cut-and-cover tunnel between Dominion Station and Cleary Avenue. Construction of the eastbound lane realignment commenced in Q1 2020. Pedestrian and cyclist access through this area, via the Ottawa River Pathway, will be maintained throughout the construction of new traffic lanes.
A multi-use pathway was constructed at the future Pinecrest Creek Pond in Q4 2019. The excavation for the future Pinecrest Creek Pond is expected to begin in Q2 2020, pending all required permits. EWC is nearing completion of required vegetation removals along the east and west alignment.
Construction of the realigned sanitary and water services and a relocated bus stop to Iris Street and Parkway Drive is underway. Utility and bus stop relocations are required to avoid conflict with the installation of excavation support walls and construction of the Iris Street culvert, expected to start in early Q2 2020.
EWC has mobilized to the field north of Lincoln Fields Station for the construction of the relocated 1350 mm storm sewer. Additional utility work is ongoing through the east and west alignment to relocate utilities to avoid conflicts with future works.
Stage 2 Vehicles
As part of the Stage 2 Project, TransitNEXT will be supplying seven Stadler FLIRT vehicles. These vehicles are being designed and manufactured in Switzerland and progress will continue through the summer to complete the final design of onboard systems, seating layouts, design and specification for integration of various onboard systems, exterior paint design (livery) and other system designs ahead of start of manufacturing later in the year.
Rideau Transit Group is providing 38 additional Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles to ensure that the expanded Stage 2 Confederation Line operates as a single, uniform service. The Rail Construction Program is monitoring the production of this expanded fleet with special attention being placed on ensuring that all improvements resulting from the in-service experience of the Stage 1 fleet are applied to the new vehicles. In particular, these modifications will include updated software across a variety of subsystems, including the train control management system (TCMS), passenger door software, and train signaling software. Additionally, the team is monitoring the implementation of required hardware changes, including changes to the door isolation mechanisms, power inductors assemblies, and addition of strap hangers. As other software and hardware changes are identified, they will be retroactively applied to the Stage 1 and 2 vehicles. As Stage 2 vehicles are accepted, they will be added to the operational fleet.
Customers may notice some testing activities currently underway along the existing Confederation Line alignment during evening and weekend hours. Test vehicles are easily identifiable to ensure passengers are aware the vehicle is ‘not in service’.
