O-Train resumes two-track service after emergency track adjustments
Ottawa's light-rail transit system is running full service between Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations on two tracks, after emergency repairs were conducted for "further track adjustments" on the restraining rail on the eastern section of the track.
OC Transpo announced normal service resumed on the O-Train just after 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 hours after LRT service was reduced to a single-track between uOttawa and Hurdman stations when inspections discovered contact between the restraining rail and the wheels of an LRT vehicle.
O-Train service was reduced to every 15 minutes between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations on Thursday, while the transit service urged commuters travelling from downtown directly to Tunney's Pasture or Blair to take the express bus instead of the LRT.
Transit riders reported packed trains and station platforms, and long waits for buses during the reduced service on Thursday, with some riders saying the trip from Lyon Station to Hurdman Station took 40 minutes.
Service resumed on the full O-Train line on Monday, four weeks after the LRT service was shut down following the discovery of an issue with the axle bearing on one train during routine maintenance. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group are running single-car trains along the LRT route.
As part of the return-to-service plan, Rideau Transit Group and Alstom said there can be no contact between the restraining rail and the wheels of the LRT vehicles. Rideau Transit Maintenance adjusted 16 restraining rails at eight locations along the LRT line before service resumed between uOttawa and Blair stations.
However, Transit Services acting general manager Michael Morgan said "further track adjustments" were needed on Thursday in the area of the track between Hurdman Station and the Rideau River Bridge to avoid contact between the restraining rail and the wheel hub of the LRT vehicles. OC Transpo implemented single-track service between uOttawa and Hurdman stations, causing long waits for commuters.
"Rideau Transit Group (RTG) was able to complete adjustments to the restraining rail this evening, and O-Train Line 1 service safely resumed on both tracks and at all platforms shortly before 8 p.m." Morgan said in a memo to Council Thursday evening.
"As previously described, the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom requires that there be no contact between the restraining rail and wheels as part of the safe return to service plan. After completing adjustments to the restraining rail, testing was conducted to ensure that any contact was eliminated, and trains can operate safely. As a result, Line 1 service was able to safely resume in the section of the affected track."
Morgan says full service on the Confederation Line will operate at all stations on Friday. The Shuttle Express bus service will operate in the morning and afternoon peak periods to provide an alternate option for customers travelling from Blair or Tunney's Pasture stations to downtown.
"OC Transpo, RTG and Alstom continue to closely monitor and inspect the track and trains to ensure ongoing safe operations for our customers and employees," Morgan said.
"Inspections of restraining rails are done weekly in order to identify if additional adjustments are necessary."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
Drive one of these vehicles? You may pay 37 per cent more than average insurance costs due to thefts
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.
Doug Ford suggests immigrants behind Jewish school shooting
Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested immigrants are to blame for the shooting of an empty Jewish school in Toronto over the weekend, despite police saying they have little information on the suspects.
Melanie Joly 'forward-leaning' in debate on Ukraine using NATO arms inside Russia
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is suggesting Canada would support a policy of allowing Ukraine to use NATO-provided arms inside Russia.
Fast-paced, highflying SailGP blows into Halifax for weekend competition
Ten countries, including Canada, each with teams of six sailors, are battling head-to-head on Halifax Harbour this weekend for the Canadian debut of SailGP (Grand Prix).
Donald Trump can sue niece over NY Times article, court rules
A New York state appeals court said Donald Trump can sue his niece Mary Trump for giving the New York Times information for its Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 probe into his finances and his alleged effort to avoid taxes.
Shania Twain shares how she forgave her ex-husband's cheating: 'It's his mistake'
Shania Twain recently addressed the infidelity that rocked her marriage to Robert 'Mutt' Lange, whom she divorced in 2010 after he had an affair with her friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud.
Supreme Court won't hear appeal in Montreal brainwashing experiments case
The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a Quebec ruling that bars people from suing the U.S. government in Canada over its role in notorious brainwashing experiments at a Montreal psychiatric hospital.
Teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of homeless man in downtown Toronto
One of eight teen girls charged in the death of a homeless man in downtown Toronto has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.