Project Spotlight: A Year in Review on the O-Train Extension Project
2024 was a year built on defining moments – Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Ottawa becoming the home of two new professional sports teams including lacrosse and women’s hockey, and, most notably, the O-Train Extension Project meeting many key milestones.
From construction advancing on all extensions to the delivery of vehicles. From system testing to the opening of new bridges. 2024 was the year that brought us closer to an expanded O-Train network.
Read below as The Next Stop Blog takes you through the major milestones the O-Train Extension project achieved in 2024!
South Extension
The South Extension reached a significant milestone last year with the completion of its major construction phase. With construction work wrapped up, the project entered the Trial Running phase, where the system underwent a series of tests to ensure it was operating as intended. During the 14-day passenger service phase, TransitNEXT scored a 99.5 per cent rolling average. The second phase of Trial Running allowed for the operations teams to perform various scenarios that are typically encountered during regular service. These included door issues, stopped trains, service on only one platform and track, changing of trains, and other items. With Trial Running successfully complete and the substantial completion certificate received, the Lines 2 and 4 started with weekday service on January 6.
.jpg)
Stadler FLIRT train over the Ellwood Diamond grade separation.
In addition to preparing for passenger service, the South Extension completed several key features that enhance the connectivity and safety of the system. One of the most significant additions is the Gladstone Avenue crosswalk in front of Corso Italia Station, which improves access to the station and connecting multiuse pathways. Another major milestone was the opening of the Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge, which further enhances connectivity between Carleton University and Vincent Massey Park.
Rideau River Pedestrian bridge and rail bridge
East Extension
Last year, the East Extension of the O-Train system made great progress as construction on the structures and guideway advanced towards completion. The track and the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), which powers the trains, were both completed. With the track finished, testing started between Blair and Trim stations. Throughout the year, local residents may have seen more trains on the line as testing ramped up.
.JPG)
Vehicle testing between Blair and Montréal stations.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be an exciting time for the East Extension as testing and commissioning will ramp up. The testing process will ensure that every aspect of the system is ready for passenger service. Additionally, the stations along the East Extension are mostly complete, with only finishing touches remaining. Once completed, the East Extension will significantly enhance the transit options available to residents in the east end of Ottawa.
Montréal Station platform
West Extension
The West Extension of the O-Train network also reached several significant milestones in 2024. A key development was the delivery of three new vehicles to the Corkstown Light Maintenance and Storage Facility (LMSF). This facility will help support our future expanded O-Train network by allowing us to store and maintain our larger fleet. Installation of track expanded in the west, moving from the LMSF east towards Tunney’s Pasture. The new track and light rail vehicles will allow for testing in 2025.
In addition to the arrival of the new vehicles, the structure for the Parkway and Connaught cut and cover tunnels was completed. Backfilling and road reinstatement work has begun on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, allowing residents to get a clearer idea of what the final result will look like. Rail installation has made significant progress, with a large portion of the track now in place. Residents will continue to see advancements made over the winter months on the O-Train West Extension.
.png)
Iris Station platform and guideway.
Moodie Station construction progress continues.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the work accomplished this past year, the O-Train Extension Project is on track to bring new connections, greater capacity, and more reliable service to Ottawa’s transit network. This project will continue to advance in the coming years, connecting more communities through light rail. We look forward to sharing more progress in 2025!
