This notice is to advise that, as part of the Stage 2 O-Train Light Rail Transit project, crews and equipment will be working in multiple locations along the east, south and west areas of Ottawa, supporting design and construction of extensions to the O-Train transit network.
Some properties closest to construction areas will also receive a pre-construction survey letter from DST Consulting Engineers. This is a typical procedure to document baseline conditions at properties very near to future construction areas.
This overview highlights the key activities in the West Extension area scheduled to occur in stages and concurrently throughout the remainder of 2019. For additional area-specific information and to learn more about what’s being planned for community outreach, please visit the project website at ottawa.ca/stage2.
WHAT’S HAPPENING ALONG THE WEST EXTENSION CORRIDOR
From Moodie Station and Baseline Station to Westboro Station
Borehole Investigations and Survey Activity (Underway)
Geotechnical investigations are taking place on and off-street along the west extension corridor to collect soil, water and bedrock data. In some areas, temporary and intermittent night work will be required to ensure public safety and to minimize the impacts to motorists in high-traffic areas. Nighttime borehole activity is also scheduled to occur along the Transitway parallel to Highway 417, although changes to transit service are not required. For more information, please visit the project website at ottawa.ca/stage2.
Intermittent lane closures may also be required in immediate work areas as crews move between borehole locations. Noise from drilling and related activities will occur at moderate levels at times. Data gathered from the borehole investigations may lead to new borehole locations or repeat investigations may be required.
Crews are also conducting survey work along the west corridor, which is scheduled during daytime hours. This includes equipment set-up and collecting survey elevation data. Minimal disruption in local areas is expected with minimal effects to traffic.
Building Demolition (Begins in Fall)
Building demolition within the project limits will occur on the east side of Connaught Avenue between Severn Avenue and Hanlon Avenue (three structures), and on Richmond Road east of Cleary Avenue (one structure). These activities are scheduled to be completed during daytime hours and will result in localized lane closures while crew remove material and debris.
WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY NEAR STATION AREAS
Borehole and survey activities are also occurring locally around station areas during daytime construction hours, and during nighttime hours only if required. Additional activity in preparation for station work is also scheduled to begin in 2019 and is highlighted below. Please note that activity around station areas not listed below is not currently scheduled this year.
Moodie Station and Baseline Station Area Preparation Work (Begins in Summer)
Crews are scheduled begin area clearing and utility relocation work in preparation for building a temporary construction site/maintenance office near Moodie Drive and Corkstown Road, near Holly Acres north of Highway 417, near Baseline Road and Woodroffe Avenue and on Iris Street east of Parkway Drive. This activity is schedule to occur during daytime hours and may require intermittent localized lane closures if required. Brief service disruption may occur as the new utility services are connected.
Crews may also perform area clearing, site preparation and utility relocation at the Light Maintenance and Storage Facility (LMSF) south of Corkstown Road west of Moodie Drive. This activity is scheduled to occur during daytime hours and may require intermittent localized lane closures. Crews are also scheduled to begin clearing and site preparation work south of Highway 417 between Holly Acres Road and Richmond Road.
Bayshore Station Area Preparation Work (Begins in Summer/Fall)
Area preparation activity for the pedestrian crossing to access the future Bayshore Station area includes clearing, tree/vegetation removal, utility installation, signaling and roadwork adjacent to and across Woodridge Crescent. Work in these areas are primarily off-street and scheduled during daytime construction hours.
Lincoln Fields Station Area Preparation (Begins in Fall)
Roadwork is required to relocate underground utilities along the north side of Carling Avenue, between the Carling Avenue and Richmond Road area and on Byron Avenue. This includes area clearing and tree/vegetation removal, grading and excavation, utility relocation, backfill and asphalt work. Temporary traffic lane closures may be required in these areas although vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained. Following this activity, a temporary detour on Carling Avenue in the Lincoln Fields Station area is scheduled to allow future guideway work to proceed away from active traffic lanes.
Work Between Cleary, Dominion and Westboro Station Areas (Begins in Summer)
Preparatory activities are underway on Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway between Dominion Avenue and Cleary Avenue. These activities include site mobilization and fence installation, tree/vegetation removal, utility relocation and roadworks in preparation to temporarily shift traffic away from the cut-and-cover area. Once completed, all traffic will be shifted to the north side of the Parkway that will allow the future cut-and-cover construction to safely occur on the south side without interfering with active traffic lanes. Limited nightwork may be required to avoid impacts to traffic.
The existing pedestrian/cyclist pathway near this area may be affected at times and alternative access will be maintained. A temporary site trailer will also be installed within the project limits of Rochester Field but will not impede pedestrian or cyclist access. Activity in this area is scheduled to occur during daytime hours, although limited nighttime activity may be required to avoid peak traffic times. Utility relocation around the Kitchissippi Lookout, Atlantis Avenue and Lanark Avenue area is also scheduled, which may result in local traffic pattern changes in immediate work areas.
DATES AND HOURS OF WORK
Confirmed timeframes and implementation details for key activities will be posted to the project website at ottawa.ca/stage2. Please note the timeframes in this summary are estimated and subject to change. Construction activity is primarily scheduled to occur during typical daytime construction hours between 7am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and between 9am to 10pm on Sunday’s and holidays. Intermittent nightwork will be required at times to minimize the impact to motorists or for public safety.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
Pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle access will be maintained during construction although minor delays to traffic may occur at times. Temporary pathways and crossings will be implemented in designated areas and pedestrians and cyclists should use extra caution as traffic patterns change. Motorists should be aware of and adhere to traffic control signage, posted speed limits and traffic control personnel. Changes to OC Transpo services are not anticipated and transit stops will remain accessible. Noise and temporary disruptions are not anticipated to be significant during these activities. Please note that all tree replacement as part of final restoration will be in accordance with the tree compensation plan for the project, and area restoration (such as re-seeding greenspaces) will be completed as part of local area finishing works.
The safety of workers and the public is paramount, and we thank you for your patience during construction.
WHAT’S NEXT
In early 2020, crews will continue with site mobilization in additional areas, continued roadwork and preparation for station, guideway, structures and cut-and-cover construction. Please stay connected with our team as we report on our progress and provide our 2020 construction look-ahead at the end of this year.
For further information about this project, please contact our project team:
Rail Construction Program
City of Ottawa
Email: Stage2@ottawa.ca
Phone: 3-1-1