Extreme cold weather damages the pantograph on four Ottawa LRT cars
The extreme cold temperatures blamed for shutting down rail service in Ottawa's east end last weekend damaged the pantograph on four light rail transit vehicles.
The arm that connects the train to the overhead power lines will be replaced on four vehicles before they re-enter service following the disruption on Saturday.
OC Transpo provided an update on the investigation into the issues with the Confederation Line last weekend. Five trains came to a stop early Saturday morning in the east end after experiencing a loss of power in the eastern portion of the line.
R1 replacement bus service ran between Hurdman and Blair stations, while reduced O-Train service ran from Hurdman to Tunney's Pasture stations.
In a memo to council Wednesday afternoon, Chief Safety Officer Duane Duquette said the initial investigation found the extended period of cold temperatures affected the catenary power line.
"As part of further analysis completed after repairs were made on the line, it was found that this condition caused damage to the pantograph – the arm that connects the train to the catenary line to provide power – on four light rail vehicles," said Duquette.
Duquette says all necessary repairs and inspections were completed to the track on Saturday, ahead of the return to service on Sunday.
"Pantographs on the four vehicles are being replaced before they reenter service," said Duquette.
The damage to the pantograph requires OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance to report the incident to the Transportation Safety Board.
"The TSB has been notified. No further follow-up is expected," said Duquette.
"The City and RTM will be further reviewing this incident for any remedial actions or processes that may be required."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.