LRT trains to keep running overnight during freezing rain
OC Transpo says out-of-service LRT trains will be running overnight on the Confederation Line to help prevent ice buildup from freezing rain.
A freezing rain warning is in effect for the capital, calling for ice accretion of between 5 and 10 mm by Thursday morning.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
In a memo, Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar said OC Transpo works proactively to implement its robust winter storm operations plan.
In addition to running out-of-service trains, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) applies de-icing chemicals to the overhead power wires to prevent ice buildup. RTM has also installed carbon strips on several trains that will help scrape ice off the wires.
Last January, two trains became stuck near Hurdman Station in a freezing rainstorm that OC Transpo said was exacerbated by ice fog rising from the Rideau River. Two more trains sent to free those trains also became stuck, disrupting service for nearly six full days.
Another freezing rain event in April 2023 led to a 33-hour disruption to LRT service, again in an area near the rail bridge over the Rideau River.
Amilcar said measures are also in place for bus customers during the storm. The bus operations team has secured additional resources for towing and to assist with snow clearing and general maintenance. OC Transpo is also working with the Public Works department to salt and clear transit corridors to keep buses and Para Transpo moving.
Seven bus stops near steep hills or slopes are taken out of service during winter storms to prevent falls.
- Meadowlands/Chesterton (2990)
- Carling/Sherwood (7367)
- Carling/Grenon (6441)
- Montréal/Den Haag (1565)
- Bayview Station (B) (3060)
- Albert/Bay (3004)
- Data Centre/Billings Bridge (1152)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.