Construction of the Stage 2 O-Train Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is progressing onto digging a tunnel in Byron Linear Park between two new LRT stations, New Orchard and Cleary. The tunnel will be constructed using cut and cover methodology, one of the oldest methods of tunneling. This involves digging a trench, reinforcing it with concrete structure, laying the track for the LRT, and then returning the surface to its original state.
Over the next few months, the contractor will drill piles and fill them with concrete to support the tunnel structure. These works will be followed by trench excavation and the installation of wooden boards to support the open excavation. Work will advance in a west to east direction from New Orchard Avenue to Cleary Avenue.
WHAT: Cut and cover tunnel construction activity in Byron Linear Park.
WHEN: September 2020 with pile installation work continuing for several months. The park will remain closed for ongoing construction until 2025.
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to Noon, no overnight or weekend work is currently planned.
WHERE: Byron Linear Park, from New Orchard Avenue to Cleary Avenue.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
All access to the construction site will be via Richmond Road. Heavy construction vehicles related to the construction activities in Byron Linear Park are not permitted to use local streets in the Woodpark neighbourhood. Access through Byron Linear Park will be closed during construction for safety. The new sidewalk on the south side of Byron Avenue will maintain the east/west connectivity for residents south of the park. Bus stop locations will be changing, transit users should monitor new signage.
Residents nearby can expect to hear noise from the mobilization of workers and equipment, material deliveries, construction vehicles, machinery and construction activities, including drilling, concrete deliveries, excavation and removals. Construction activities will generate dust and debris. This will be minimized by affixing dust screens to fencing on the park perimeter, daily dust suppression on-site
and street sweeping on public roads.
As construction in this corridor will be ongoing for several years there will be temporary detours and delays to traffic at times. Pedestrians and cyclists should use extra caution as traffic patterns will change in the area. Motorists should be aware of and adhere to traffic control signage, posted speed limits and traffic control personnel.
Any changes to the duration or impact of this work will be communicated via the Stage 2 project newsletter.
To receive these newsletter updates please sign up at Ottawa.ca/Stage2 and click ‘Connect with us.’ Be sure to select updates for “New Orchard Station”.
For other accommodations, or any questions, please contact:
Damon Berlin
Stakeholder Relations, Rail Construction Program, City of Ottawa
damon.berlin@ottawa.ca
ottawa.ca/stage2
