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
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP
A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.