Here's how staff will try to prevent freezing rain buildup on Ottawa's LRT
The city of Ottawa says Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) is exploring the use of anti-icing chemicals to prevent a repeat of this year's freezing rain-related shutdowns to the LRT.
Trains were halted for six days in early January and two days in early April because of ice buildup on the overhead wires that power the electric trains.
The freezing rain event in January was made worse when the trains that were sent to recover the first two stuck trains became stuck themselves. Staff said a moist fog rising from the Rideau River because of warmer than average temperatures at the time contributed to ice buildup on the line between uOttawa and Hurdman stations.
In a report prepared for the Oct. 12 transit commission meeting, staff say RTM will be testing an anti-ice chemical treatment this month to be prepared for the coming winter. The chemical sticks to the overhead wires and helps prevent ice from building up during freezing rain. Other transit agencies like the TTC in Toronto use this method to prevent freezing rain accretion.
Staff expect the de-icing agent will be applied to "problematic areas" such as the part of the line between Hurdman and uOttawa stations.
Trains will also be outfitted with more de-icing strips on the device that connects to the wires to scrape ice off the line. This can cause additional wear and tear, staff warn, but they will only be outfitted on the trains if freezing rain is anticipated or happening.
RTM is also planning to rent a diesel-powered rail car mover, called a "shunter" to help rescue trains that might become stuck in the event of a power outage. This is expected to be tested this month and deployed this coming winter, if necessary.
In the longer-term, RTM is also looking at adding a heat tracing cable to the contact wire on the overhead power system, but this won't be ready until at least winter of 2024/25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
'Repetitive partisan conduct': Conservatives to force vote on ousting Speaker Greg Fergus
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
Robertson's hat-trick drives Stars to Game 3 win over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch in some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind, severe thunderstorms and even snowfall across some areas of Canada.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Israel close to approving Gaza reunification program before Rafah invasion: Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Israel seemed to be on the verge of approving a program to get Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip before the country's invasion of the town of Rafah.