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
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.