O-Train shutdown for 3rd straight weekend for maintenance
This is the third and final weekend of planned shutdowns on the Confederation Line this fall, as OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group address rail corrugation on the five-year-old east-west LRT line.
"It was a little rough. I just need to get to Rideau from here and I did not realize it would be a 40-minute wait for the bus versus the five minutes on the train," Sinatrio Raharjo said on Saturday.
There have been late night and weekend closures on the Confederation Line since Saturday, Oct. 19. The O-Train was shut down between Hurdman and Blair stations on the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20 and the full LRT line has been out of service on the weekends of Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3.
Full service with no interruptions is expected to resume on Monday.
The Transit Commission was told last month rail grinding will address rail corrugation. Staff said, "Removing corrugation improves effectiveness of the top-of-rail and wheel flange lubrication systems." OC Transpo hopes the work will lead to "smoother transitions entering and exiting the curves."
Crews have also been conducting ballast improvement work between Hurdman and Tremblay stations.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"We know that this is routine, planned maintenance. This is not the LRT going down unexpectedly," Coun. Stephanie Plante said on Saturday.
"We know that we need to have our LRT in tip top shape leading up to the winter season, because we need a reliable transit network. We need people taking transit, and we need our transit to take people where they need to go."
Plante says everyone is "hoping, crossed fingers, everything works smoothly in the coming months."
The Rideau-Vanier councillor says there have been no complaints about R1 service running on weekends.
While some riders have been frustrated with long trips, others say it was a smooth trip on the R1 replacement bus service.
"The frequency of the buses are also good," Mahnaz Kaze said. "I just missed one, but in just two minutes or so I will be getting another one."
One rider said the bus service was "good."
"I mean, it's not been that bad because the buses are regular everyday, four or five minutes, I think. So, it's not been difficult."
There have been several shutdowns on the O-Train line this year for maintenance and work to prepare for the launch of Stage 2 to the east end in 2025.
The Confederation Line was partially shut down in the west end between July 15 and July 28 for planned maintenance, which included work to address water infiltration in the downtown tunnel.
In May, the St. Laurent Station was closed for five days after water infiltration into the tunnel caused some damage to ceiling tiles over the LRT station platforms.
O-Train Line 1 was out of service on Sunday, Aug. 25 between St. Laurent and Blair stations for work on Stage 2. The O-Train was also shut down on Sept. 29 and Oct. 5 for work on the Stage 2 east extension from Blair Station to Tenth Line Road.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Toula Mazloum
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.