Confederation Line (Stage 1) | In Service 1.0

[eternallyme]

Originally Posted by Uhuniau

How will they be accessing King Edward?

From Laurier in the north, departing around Lees at the existing bus-only exit ramp. From the south/east they would enter at the King Edward/Mann interchange.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by Kitchissippi

Looks like there are some more new renders on the website.

The glass canopies at Tremblay have been replaced with metal ones with holes cut out of it so people can enjoy the rain

Good. Maybe someone finally got the point about the stupid red Transitway plexiglass garbage-shelters and realized that Ottawa's summers can be hot and miserable. There is not nearly enough shade designed into things. Enough stupid greenhouses.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by eternallyme

From Laurier in the north, departing around Lees at the existing bus-only exit ramp. From the south/east they would enter at the King Edward/Mann interchange.

And then westbound re-accessing the Transitway via Laurier?

Because on the 85, that's a scheduling dumpster-fire. It can take easily twice as long to get from the sports centre (800 King Eddie or whatever it is) to Tabaret, than it does to walk it. Unless they close out that stretch of Laurier to non-transit traffic, at least during peak, it's going to get ugly.

[eternallyme]

A few other thoughts on what they should do:

* During peak periods in the peak direction, every other 98 trip should be a 98A that bypasses King Edward and Lees via Nicholas, to speed up service for commuters.

* After 10 pm, all routes should use King Edward to maximize late night service to Lees and the uOttawa area. At that time of night, traffic is almost never an issue so travel time differences would be fairly minimal.

* As previously suggested, more 95's should be turned to 91's, including in the early evening on weekdays (until about 10 pm) and daytime on weekends, for a faster trip east. During peak periods, about 75% of non-express trips to Place d'Orleans should be 91's (the 95 would run about every 5-7 minutes with the 91 running every 2-4 minutes), to allow most passengers to have a fast trip while providing good service to Lees and uOttawa. During off-peak periods, the balance should be about 50-50 between the two routes.

[rocketphish]

Construction Update
Week of February 8

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Formwork in Lyon Station cavern

Lyon Station

In the Lyon Station cavern formwork continues on the L-walls and will be followed by concrete pouring.

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Excavation in Parliament Station cavern

Parliament Station

In the Parliament Station cavern, Jawbreaker finishes mining the north bench, and begins mining the central bench. Initial support activities for the north bench continue.

In the running tunnel, excavation continues between Parliament and Rideau stations, near Metcalfe Street. Shotcrete and rockbolt installation also occur as part of tunnel support.

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Excavation in Rideau Station cavern

Rideau Station

In Rideau Station cavern, Crocodile Rouge continues mining the south bench. Activities such as shotcrete and rockbolt installation are ongoing.

In the running tunnel, crews install rebar and pour the tunnel arch final lining.

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Excavation at Rideau Station east entrance

Downtown Integrated Stations – East and West Entrances – Lyon, Parliament and Rideau Stations

Lyon Station west entrance: crews continue line drilling and rock removals in anticipation of blasting. Piling and watermain work occur near the HVAC shaft.

Lyon Station east entrance: mechanical and electrical relocations continue along with concrete pours for the elevator walls.

Parliament Station west entrance: at the parking levels, crews continue pouring concrete columns. Electrical and mechanical relocations are ongoing.

Parliament Station east entrance: work begins to install interior hoarding. Concrete work continues at the parking levels.

Traffic restrictions on Queen and O’Connor streets are in effect.

Rideau Station east entrance: crews complete reinforcements including rockbolt installation. Blasting occurs during the week.

Rideau Station west entrance: excavation and reinforcements, including shoring, are ongoing.

Traffic restrictions on Rideau Street remain in effect.

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Forming stairs and operators’ building at Cyrville Station

Hurdman, Tremblay, St-Laurent, Cyrville and Blair Stations

At Hurdman Station, crews finalize underground plumbing and continue backfilling. Preliminary work for the Hurdman Station permanent bus loop occurs.

At Tremblay Station, concrete pours for footings and walls are ongoing. Crews finalize underground plumbing.

At St-Laurent Station, crews continue demolition of the platform. Backfilling and concrete wall pours are ongoing.

At Cyrville Station, crews form the stairwell and complete formwork on the operators’ building.

At Blair Station, crews backfill and pour concrete ceiling walls.

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Excavation at the south abutment of the Rideau River Transitway Bridge

Guideway– CPR Overpass, Booth Street Bridge and Rideau River Transitway Bridge

Crews finalize mobilization in anticipation of demolition of the CPR Overpass.

At the Booth Street Bridge, crews continue preliminary work to form the deck.

At the Rideau River Transitway Bridge, excavation of the south abutment is ongoing as part of rehabilitation work.

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Upcoming Construction Activities

The following construction activities are scheduled to occur:

In the coming weeks:
• Pimisi Station caisson installation.
• Lyon Station west entrance blasting.
• Lyon Station west Tunnel Vent Shaft excavation.
• Investigative boreholes for Rideau Station west entrance.
• Deck work at the Hurdman Station elevated guideway.
• Watermain work near St-Laurent Station.
• Structural steel erection at Cyrville Station.

In the coming months:
• Tunney’s Pasture bus loop and station preliminary works.
• Bayview Station preliminary works.
• Excavation of the ramp at West Portal.
• Transitway service adjustment from Lees to Laurier stations.
• uOttawa Station construction.
• Lees Station construction.
• Guideway and trackwork along the alignment.
• Assembly of Alstom Citadis light rail vehicles.


http://www.ligneconfederationline.ca/construction/construction-update-59/

[1overcosc]

Originally Posted by Uhuniau

And then westbound re-accessing the Transitway via Laurier?

Because on the 85, that's a scheduling dumpster-fire. It can take easily twice as long to get from the sports centre (800 King Eddie or whatever it is) to Tabaret, than it does to walk it. Unless they close out that stretch of Laurier to non-transit traffic, at least during peak, it's going to get ugly.

Laurier Avenue East from Nicholas to King Edward is unbelievably congested at peak; it's actually worse than Laurier West. I'm not sure where all that traffic even comes from given that the majority of Sandy Hill residents don't drive and there's no major office towers or anything on Laurier East. I suppose U of O staff maybe, but would Laurier East really be the best exit/entrance point for them anyway?

Banning non-transit traffic from that section of Laurier East, like what's currently done on Rideau, would solve the problem--without any real inconvenience to local business owners as the businesses on that street are small local retailers like pizzerias and convenience stores that get almost all their customers coming in on foot--but that traffic would go somewhere and I have no idea where it would wind up.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

Laurier Avenue East from Nicholas to King Edward is unbelievably congested at peak; it's actually worse than Laurier West. I'm not sure where all that traffic even comes from given that the majority of Sandy Hill residents don't drive and there's no major office towers or anything on Laurier East. I suppose U of O staff maybe, but would Laurier East really be the best exit/entrance point for them anyway?

I think with Rideau closed and many people unable to figure out mackenzie king (even though it is by far the best route into the city from the east) Laurier has accumulated a lot of traffic from the east end.

I'm a little puzzled by the length of the closure. Cities put tram tracks on existing streets all of the time without closing the entire street for 2 full years.

[1overcosc]

Originally Posted by acottawa

I think with Rideau closed and many people unable to figure out mackenzie king (even though it is by far the best route into the city from the east) Laurier has accumulated a lot of traffic from the east end.

Laurier was busy as hell before Rideau closed to car traffic.

Originally Posted by acottawa

I'm a little puzzled by the length of the closure. Cities put tram tracks on existing streets all of the time without closing the entire street for 2 full years.

Rideau's not closed, it's just reduced from 4 lanes to 2. And they decided that keeping the bus lanes open was more important than keeping the car lanes open.

Multi-year lane reductions for major projects like underground transit construction are quite normal. Look at the current state of Eglinton Avenue in Toronto, for example.

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

Multi-year lane reductions for major projects like underground transit construction are quite normal. Look at the current state of Eglinton Avenue in Toronto, for example.

We might be talking about different things. I was referring to the upcoming closure (transitway from Lees to Laurier). I found it odd that a surface project (that is already grade-separated) requires a two-year full closure in both directions.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by acottawa

I think with Rideau closed and many people unable to figure out mackenzie king (even though it is by far the best route into the city from the east) Laurier has accumulated a lot of traffic from the east end.

It's been like that since long before the Rideau closure.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by acottawa

We might be talking about different things. I was referring to the upcoming closure (transitway from Lees to Laurier). I found it odd that a surface project (that is already grade-separated) requires a two-year full closure in both directions.

Because it will be a total rebuild of the roadbed, because it is connected directly into the tunnel, because new stations are being built, because there is no intention of allowing buses to ever again use the route.

Normally, it takes a full construction season to do a major road rebuild, sometimes longer. And on top of that, you have the station construction and then you have to install all the signalling and electrical work and test the trains and signalling to make sure everything is functional and safe. That should take the second construction season.

What you are describing is streetcar installation, which still can take a long time to complete.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

Laurier Avenue East from Nicholas to King Edward is unbelievably congested at peak; it's actually worse than Laurier West. I'm not sure where all that traffic even comes from given that the majority of Sandy Hill residents don't drive and there's no major office towers or anything on Laurier East. I suppose U of O staff maybe, but would Laurier East really be the best exit/entrance point for them anyway?

Banning non-transit traffic from that section of Laurier East, like what's currently done on Rideau, would solve the problem--without any real inconvenience to local business owners as the businesses on that street are small local retailers like pizzerias and convenience stores that get almost all their customers coming in on foot--but that traffic would go somewhere and I have no idea where it would wind up.

You cannot close both Rideau and Laurier to regular traffic at the same time. Where does the traffic go coming across the Cummings Bridge travelling towards downtown?

[1overcosc]

^ The Mackenzie King bridge. It's got a lot of excess capacity, it's car lanes are almost deserted even at peak.

And wouldn't it be better for anyone east of the Cummings Bridge to use the 417 and Nicholas instead?

[rocketphish]

The 417 widening is now listed as complete.

[acottawa]

info session:

February 17, 2016
Notice: Public Information Session – Rideau & Nicholas Streets
The City of Ottawa will be hosting a public information session to provide information and receive input on the renewal/transformation of Rideau and Nicholas streets as part of the O-Train Confederation Line Light Rail Rapid Transit Project.



WHAT: The City is undertaking the detailed design for the renewal of Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street and is working with Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd. (owner of the Rideau Centre) to transform Nicholas Street between Rideau Street and Besserer Street into a pedestrian public space. All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting to receive information and to provide input regarding both phases of work.

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
5-7 p.m.

WHERE:
Freiman Bridge Pedestrian Overpass, Rideau Centre
50 Rideau Street

WHY: The works for Rideau Street include significant improvements to the public realm and a full renewal of the streetscape. The works for Nicholas Street include the closure of the street to vehicular traffic and the addition of an enhanced pedestrian surface, trees, bike parking, new spaces for outdoor patios and a programmable space for artistic installations and special events.

At the session, information regarding the process, project objectives and construction timelines will be presented. Methods to manage traffic and disruption during the construction period will also be recommended. City staff and their design team will be available to answer questions and engage in discussion. This meeting will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the project and to provide comments in a casual environment. Comment/questionnaire forms will be provided for written comments.

[roger1818]

One thing I was wondering, does anyone know why they picked Tunnies Pasture as the western end of Phase 1? Why not Westboro, since the Transitway continues there and the relative incremental cost would have been small. I can understand why beyond that wasn't feasible.

[Aylmer]

I would imagine it was because they figured that there was more space for a temporary bus transfer point at Tunney's than at Westboro. But hey, it'll all come out in the wash once Phase 2 is up and running. 2023 is to us what 2016 was to us in 2009 - how time flies!

[rocketphish]

Construction Update
Week of February 15

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Installation of drainage and sanitary pipes in Lyon Station cavern

Lyon Station

Crews install conduits as well as drainage and sanitary pipes in Lyon Station cavern. Rebar installation continues.

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Crews spray shotcrete in Parliament Station cavern

Parliament Station

In Parliament Station cavern, Jawbreaker mines the central bench and north bench support activities are ongoing.

In the running tunnel, Chewrocka continues mining east (near Metcalfe Street). Tunnel support activities such as shotcrete and rockbolt installation are ongoing.

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Excavation in Rideau Station cavern

Rideau Station

In Rideau Station cavern, Crocodile Rouge excavates the invert. Initial support activities are ongoing.

In the running tunnel, crews continue concrete pours for the tunnel arch final lining.

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Breaking through to the tunnel from Rideau Station east entrance

Downtown Integrated Stations – East and West Entrances – Lyon, Parliament and Rideau Stations

Lyon Station west entrance: line drilling is ongoing and blasting activities begin. Work on the HVAC shaft continues with line drilling and excavation.

Lyon Station east entrance: demolition and concrete work occur at the parking levels. Mechanical and electrical relocations are ongoing.

Parliament Station west entrance: at the parking levels, demolition continues in preparation for future concrete work.

Parliament Station east entrance: work to install interior hoarding continues. Crews pour concrete for piers and columns at the concourse level.

Traffic restrictions on Queen and O’Connor streets switch to the west side of O’Connor Street.

Rideau Station east entrance: crews continue blasting, rock removals and reinforcing the entrance.

Rideau Station west entrance: excavation is ongoing and crews install reinforcements including shotcrete. Preparations for preliminary shoring begin on the north side of Rideau Street for the west vent shaft.

Traffic restrictions on Rideau Street remain in effect.

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Forming the walls at Tremblay Station

Hurdman, Tremblay, St-Laurent, Cyrville and Blair Stations

At Hurdman Station, crews excavate and backfill. Preliminary work is ongoing for the permanent bus loop construction.

At Tremblay Station, work on the walls is ongoing and crews begin pouring the high walls in the basement areas. Rough-ins and plumbing work is occurring.

At St-Laurent Station, crews begin formwork for the ceiling slabs on the north side and demolish the platform on the south side. Backfilling and pouring occur.

At Cyrville Station, crews form the walls up to the bridge level and complete the roof on the operators’ building.

At Blair Station, crews pour the ceiling slabs and begin backfilling the east side this week. Electrical and steel installations are also occurring.

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Forming the deck at Booth Street Bridge

Guideway – CPR Overpass, Booth Street Bridge and Rideau River Transitway Bridge

Crews install the protection system and begin demolition of the CPR Overpass.

At the Booth Street Bridge, crews form the deck.

At the Rideau River Transitway Bridge, crews continue excavating and rehabilitating the bridge abutments. This work is expected to be ongoing over the next months.

---

Upcoming Construction Activities

The following construction activities are scheduled to occur:

In the coming weeks:

• Pimisi Station caisson installation.
• Investigative boreholes on Rideau Street.
• Deck work at the Hurdman Station elevated guideway.
• Watermain work near St-Laurent Station.
• Structural steel erection at Cyrville and Blair stations.

In the coming months:

• Tunney’s Pasture bus loop and station preliminary works.
• Bayview Station preliminary works.
• Excavation of the ramp at West Portal.
• Transitway service adjustment from Lees to Laurier stations.

http://www.ligneconfederationline.ca/construction/construction-update-60/

[silvergate]

Originally Posted by Aylmer

I would imagine it was because they figured that there was more space for a temporary bus transfer point at Tunney's than at Westboro. But hey, it'll all come out in the wash once Phase 2 is up and running. 2023 is to us what 2016 was to us in 2009 - how time flies!

I wonder how they plan to reroute busses between Westboro and Dominion when that area needs to shut down

[Kitchissippi]

Originally Posted by silvergate

I wonder how they plan to reroute busses between Westboro and Dominion when that area needs to shut down

That would be a piece of cake. Run all the express and 90s-series buses on the parkway, straighten out the 2 and introduce one frequent Scott-Churchill-Richmond route from Tunney's to Bayshore (2X?), and everyone in the near west end would be happy as PIS. We won't miss the smell of diesel from the trench and I'll even start a "No More Buses on the Transitway, Yes Way" movement