Stage 1 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project Update
Stations
Over the course of Q1 2019, significant progress has been made towards the completion of all Confederation Line stations. Final station finishes, installations and site clean-up, and minor correction work is ongoing throughout the alignment.
Building Occupancy Permits with minor conditions have been issued for all stations. Building occupancy permits are issued by Building Code Services (BCS) when stations are deemed complete, safe and are suitable for occupancy and public use. Conditions to the building occupancy permits vary depending on the station and when the permit was issued, but can include the removal of construction fencing, site hoarding and general construction site cleanliness. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) must arrange for a BCS inspection to confirm that the conditions have been corrected prior to the station opening for public use.
Guideway
Work on the Confederation Line guideway is substantially complete. Electrical testing for the sections west of Hurdman Station and minor deficiency repairs will be ongoing in Q2 2019.
Multi-Use Pathways (MUP), Cycling Lanes and Roadway Re-instatements
The majority of MUPs installed as part of the Confederation Line project are now complete.
The MUP between Hurdman and Lees stations has been paved and lighting is now completed. The Waller Street reinstatement work, including final asphalt and landscaping will be completed in Q2 2019. The connection to Nicholas Street will be undertaken following Revenue Service.
Queen Streetscaping (Bay Street to east of O’Connor Street)
The Queen Street Streetscaping project is substantially complete with remaining minor work, including final landscaping, to be completed in Q2 2019.
Systems, Vehicle, Testing and Commissioning
• The power supply and distribution system is complete across the alignment;
• The train control system end-to-end integration testing is in its final stages;
• The installation of communication systems is complete with minor deficiency work underway;
• System integration tests are in the final stages for all communication systems using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system;
• Vehicle testing continues with multiple single and coupled vehicles; and,
• Final vehicle assembly is complete with final retrofits in progress across the fleet.
Preparations for Operations
• The Independent Safety Auditor is reviewing documentation to confirm that safety requirements will be met at Revenue Service Availability (RSA);
• Safety and security requirement resolution and closure is nearing completion;
• On the job training of Electric Rail Operator Instructors is nearing completion;
• On the job development and training for Controllers is nearing completion;
• Training for Electric Rail Operators (ERO) is nearing completion;
• Operational familiarisation tours for operations staff continues;
• Desktop exercises and training for first responders is nearing completion; and,
• The maintenance team is finalising requirements, training and procedures.
Key Activities to Monitor
The City continues to monitor and track the progress of critical elements. The following list provides an updated look at key activities required to achieve project completion:
- Fleet availability for service requirements;
- Station occupancy for all stations – complete;
- Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS) tests – final testing;
- Testing of the train control system – final testing;
- Control systems for transit operations – final testing;
- Power system to the alignment and trains – final tests;
- RTG’s system assurance –sign-off is to be provided on all documents required by the City’s Safety Auditor;
- End-to-End Practice Plan Running -demonstrate system capability; and,
- Winter Operations –final readiness.
In addition, the City is implementing steps required to achieve system operationalization. These steps include:
- Successful launch of a practice plan by RTG;
- Sign-off by the Independent Safety Auditor on all safety requirements;
- Achievement of Substantial Completion and move to Trial Running;
- Trial Running – successful demonstration of performance compliance;
- Revenue Service Availability (RSA); and,
- Launch of train service.
As noted at the Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting on June 4, 2019 and following the receipt of the Independent Certifier’s (IC) determination on RTG’s Substantial Completion Notice, the City has been actively working with RTG to identify the outstanding work remaining and the path to resubmission of a Substantial Completion Notice. The City anticipates receiving an update from RTG regarding next steps in the next two weeks.
As previously communicated, following RSA and handover to the City, staff will need to undertake the operational readiness activities required to ensure that the Confederation Line seamlessly integrates into the OC Transpo network prior to opening day, including additional City-led system practice, simulated system operations and staff training.
It is expected that Confederation Line service would be launched within one month of RTG achieving the RSA date.
The Confederation Line Contingency Fund is $100M. To date, $54.8M from the total fund has been spent. Remaining funds are earmarked for potential future changes primarily related to property requirements and transit priorities. When funds are reserved for contract variations, the upper cost limit for the variation is typically used and upon completion of the work, unspent monies are returned to the Contingency Fund. For this reason, the funds reserved figure is an estimate that may be higher than the actual amount spent.
