Confederation Line East LRT Extension (Stage 2) [Blair to Trim] | U/C

[OTownandDown]

Algoma used to produce a great variety of products for both domestic and export markets. They were among the last steel production facilities to survive through the 80's and 90's.

International development, free trade, and labour cost pressure drove down import prices and forced the shutdown of several mills within Algoma. Lately the welded-wide-flange division has really dried up as well. Not sure if any of those products listed in the structural steel guide are available anymore.

The company then bounced from bankruptcy to bailout for 20 or 30 years, and now produces just a couple of products, mainly rolled steel for auto and defense manufacturing. There is a mill attached to Algoma, owned by Tenaris (international company) 'making' tubes, but it started life as an importation hub for it's South American products.

Algoma is owned by Essar, an Indian conglomerate. The purchase was a big save for Sault Ste. Marie in the 2000's as the company needed an influx of cash to survive. They've been limping along ever since, taking large public bailouts, skipping out on paying any sort of taxes, bouncing cheques to sub-contractors, forcing unions to vote to reduce retirement funds to finance the company, and generally just bumping along. The loss of Algoma would be the deathknell of the region, even though somewhat less than 2800 employees are left.

[Catenary]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

https://twitter.com/JimWatsonOttawa/...65379044147200

I wonder if this is part of the reason why the Stage 2 FEDCO presentation has been delayed twice. They want to get a few milestones into the presentation.

The funny thing is that the Mayor is wrong - this might be the first rail for Satge 2 East-West, but the rail for Stage 2 arrived in fall 2019. He tweeted about it back then too:

https://twitter.com/JimWatsonOttawa/...36921954324481

That rail also arrived from overseas, quite likely the same place.

Originally Posted by TheMatth69

They're using regular transport rail also known as (flat bottom rail) commonly used in many systems around the world.
Usualy the two variables are the ''web'' and the ''head''. They can vary depending on load, trains and weather condition. Ususaly bigger web and head are used on lines like freight lines where locomotives and wagon are massive.


Grooved rails are use on street-car/tramway lines in order to inbed the track in the road or pavement or in grass. They're also used on Railroad crossings.

PS: let's not forget that one of the two contractors is European (Vinci/Eurovia) so if the city didn't put any clause on the contract to require the rails to be built in Canada or even the US it's probable Vinci used one of their regular supplier to provide the rails.

The rail used in Stage 1 was 115lb produced by Rocky Mountain Steel in the US. Most railways crossings also don't use special rail - rubber or wood are often used to create a similar looking groove though.

Originally Posted by OTownandDown

Algoma used to produce a great variety of products for both domestic and export markets. They were among the last steel production facilities to survive through the 80's and 90's.

International development, free trade, and labour cost pressure drove down import prices and forced the shutdown of several mills within Algoma. Lately the welded-wide-flange division has really dried up as well. Not sure if any of those products listed in the structural steel guide are available anymore.

The company then bounced from bankruptcy to bailout for 20 or 30 years, and now produces just a couple of products, mainly rolled steel for auto and defense manufacturing. There is a mill attached to Algoma, owned by Tenaris (international company) 'making' tubes, but it started life as an importation hub for it's South American products.

Algoma is owned by Essar, an Indian conglomerate. The purchase was a big save for Sault Ste. Marie in the 2000's as the company needed an influx of cash to survive. They've been limping along ever since, taking large public bailouts, skipping out on paying any sort of taxes, bouncing cheques to sub-contractors, forcing unions to vote to reduce retirement funds to finance the company, and generally just bumping along. The loss of Algoma would be the deathknell of the region, even though somewhat less than 2800 employees are left.

Funny enough, there is Algoma Steel rails used in Stage 1; the guardrails in the centre of the tracks at Hurdman and Bayview (elevated stations) is all used rail. Some of it is from Algoma and dates back to the 1930s.

[J.OT13]

Drive -by the eastern alignment from Blair to Trim and back.

The most significant progress is the flyover east of Blair that brings the tracks from the north side of the highway to the median (35 second mark, and again 14:02 mark).

Otherwise, mostly dirt being moved around, and trench widening at Place d'Orleans.

• Video Link

[Har13]

I have always wondered why highway 174 has never been expanded to 3 lanes and why it doesn’t get any lights. Maybe not enough traffic ?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Har13

I have always wondered why highway 174 has never been expanded to 3 lanes and why it doesn’t get any lights. Maybe not enough traffic ?

There's some pretty heavy traffic during the am and pm peak periods, but nowhere near as bad as the west end. I would imagine that high transit ridership in Orleans and ownership of the highway (City owns it since the Harris Government downloaded responsibility in 1997) has a lot to do with the lack of expansion and ultimately, that's a good thing. The west end of the 417 is constantly being expanded, but traffic jams are never improved.

The City wanted to bundle additional lanes with the O-Train expansion east, but the Province refused. Again, I see that as a win personally.

[GeoNerd]

Originally Posted by Har13

I have always wondered why highway 174 has never been expanded to 3 lanes and why it doesn’t get any lights. Maybe not enough traffic ?

Lane expansions and high mast lighting is extremely costly. When the province downloaded ownership of the freeway to the city in 1997 it pretty much killed the chances of large highway upgrades.

[Acajack]

Yeah now that I think about it the contrast between the 417 coming in from Kanata and the 174 from Orleans is striking.

And I believe Orleans actually has a slightly higher population than Kanata does.

Though traffic on the 174 did get better even pre-pandemic with changes at the split that added a through lane westbound at St-Laurent. Previously it was only one lane due to the right lane exiting.

There is also a very short additional lane eastbound now just after St-Laurent and before Blair, which eases the bottleneck a bit going in that direction.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Yeah know that I think about it the contrast between the 417 coming in from Kanata and the 174 from Orleans is striking.

And I believe Orleans actually has a slightly higher population than Kanata does.

Though traffic on the 174 did get better even pre-pandemic with changes at the split that added a through lane westbound at St-Laurent. Previously it was only one lane due to the right lane exiting.

There is also a very short additional lane eastbound now just after St-Laurent and before Blair, which eases the bottleneck a bit going in that direction.

Yup. We've seen some good improvements over the last 5 years. My only complaint would be the lack of light-standards, as per Har13's comment, through the Greenbelt. I imagine that might be fixed as part of Stage 2 work.

I never want to see 8-10 lane monster like the west end.

[Acajack]

Lights through the Greenbelt between Beacon Hill and Orleans seem unlikely to me in the medium term even, but geez are they ever needed between Blair and Montreal roads.

That stretch was always dangerous in the dark even pre-LRT construction.

I can't recall if they have lights there now? Maybe to light up to work site?

It still seems like a treacherous stretch to drive with high speeds, twists and turns and unexpected lane configurations, and poor lighting after dark.

Hopefully once the LRT is done they'll have good permanent lighting.

[J.OT13]

Shane posted a shorter version of the video based on feedback. Video is now timelapse, slowing down at portions where significant construction is going on and at future stations. 5 minutes vs the first video's 15 minutes.

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

Shane posted Snapshots of all stations of the eastern extension.

https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshot-...bruary-21-2021

Here are the stations with the more significant progress.

Montreal







Place d'Orléans





Plenty more pictures of these and all other sites of future stations in the east end if you follow the link I provided at the top of the post.

[J.OT13]

Q4 2020 Quarterly update highlights:

• Montreal Station bridge construction set to start Q1 2021;
• Construction of a new Trim/174 intersection started Q4 2020 and is ongoing.

I will post a link when available.

FEDCO meeting tomorrow.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Q4 2020 Quarterly update highlights:

• Montreal Station bridge construction set to start Q1 2021;
• Construction of a new Trim/174 intersection started Q4 2020 and is ongoing.

I will post a link when available.

FEDCO meeting tomorrow.

Stage 2 Q4 2020 Quarterly Memo:

https://www.railfans.ca/news/memo-o-...ouncil-q4-2020

[J.OT13]

Drone footage of Stage 2 progress, west south and east. Some significant progress on grade separation along all three extensions.

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

FEDCO update and disappointingly short question period.

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

O-Train Fans submitted a list of questions to the Stage 2 team a few weeks ago. The responses have been received.

Here is the list of questions:

1. When do we expect the Stadler FLIRT trains to be tested and seen on the Line?
2. What is the maximum speed anticipated to be on Line 2, and where you expect this to occur?
3. Are there any renders of the interior of the FLIRT trains at this time or is the design still being finalized?
4. Line 2 and 4 will have a new signalling system by Siemens, do you know the model that is being used? Will the existing Indusi system be completely removed?
5. Montreal Station on the Eastern Extension has the new highway overpasses open and in place. Will the current spacing between the Eastbound and Westbound overpasses be maintained after Stage 2 opens or will the alignment be narrowed? Do we expect an additional lane on the highway in the interior?
6. Do the longer term plans for Bayview Station include vertical circulation to the new Line 2 eastern platform?
7. Will the pedestrian plaza as shown in the early renders at Corso Italia still exist as previously depicted?
8. In regards to Pinecrest Station, the current Transitway is level with the highway until it dips a bit for Bayshore. Will the train guideway be trenched after Pinecrest?
9. At Carleton Station, is station access from the north or south underpass being protected for (similar to how there is a station entrance in the underpass at uOttawa)? In addition, is there any connectivity being designed or implemented between the station and the Carleton University tunnel system? If so, how is it envisioned, and where would it be?
10. Is a MUP between the Rideau River and Mooney's Bay bundled into the project
11. Is there a rough timeline that can be shared that highlights major work or milestones being started or completed?
12. Is there any update on the Stage 2 Confederation Line vehicles?
13. Is there any data on the percentage of people within reasonable walking distance of an O-Train Station, and the percentage of jobs within reasonable walking distance? (Reasonable Walking Distance as approximately 800m).
14. Would you have an update on when we may see LRV units 1106, 1107, 1126, 1136 and 1141 and above in service or testing?

As it relates to the east extension, new highway lanes will be added between the new highway overpasses and the station bridge after the station construction is complete.

Visit O-Train Fans for the full Stage 2 team responses.

[J.OT13]

O-Train East Extension: Construction Activities and Community Impacts

90-Day Lookahead - March to June 2021

The O-Train East Extension is one of the three major extensions to Ottawa’s light rail transit system. The extension will add over 12 km of new rail and 5 new stations (Montreal, Jeanne d’Arc, Convent Glen, Place d’Orléans, and Trim) between Blair Road and Trim Road.  The LRT will travel predominantly within the median of Highway 174.

In 2021, heavy construction will take place throughout the east alignment as crews build rail, pedestrian and road bridges, new highway lanes, the rail guideway (dedicated rail line) and begin station construction. While it is exciting to see progress on the LRT project, some of these activities may cause disruptions for area residents, including intermittent night work, traffic detours, site lighting or additional construction vehicles in the area.
 
This notice provides an overview of upcoming activities along the O-Train East LRT project alignment, as well as the expected community impacts including hours of work, noise from crews and equipment, pedestrian, and vehicle mobility, etc.

MAJOR WORKS 

Blair Station to 174 Median Rail Bridge

Work continues to progress on the Blair Station to 174 Median Rail Bridge, 800 metres east of the OR174 Blair Road Interchange. In April, girders (horizontal supports for the bridge) will be laid on top of the columns, followed by the installation of decking. The Blair Station to 174 Median Rail Bridge structure will be completed in the Summer 2021, with track work to follow.

Blair Road to Montreal Road

Last year, new eastbound and westbound highway traffic lanes were constructed on the south side of the 174, between Blair Road and Montreal Road to create space for the LRT guideway. Crews and equipment in the area, are now removing the asphalt and concrete from the old highway in the median. This work is occurring daytime and overnight until September.
 
Montréal Station

In January, crews and equipment began building a new bridge within the median of OR174 across Montreal Road, at the Highway 174 Interchange. This new bridge is required to create enough space for the LRT guideway and the new Montréal Station.
 
Through March, construction activities for the bridge include excavation and drilling caissons – part of the bridge foundations. From March through June, activities will include the completion of the bridge’s columns, abutments, and pier caps. This will require lane reductions along Montreal Road.



Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard

In November 2020, crews and equipment began work to modify the access to Jeanne d’Arc on-ramps at OR174.  This is required to create safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists on the Jeanne d’Arc bridge. While this work continues, there will also be on-going electrical and utility work required prior to the construction of the new Jeanne d’Arc LRT station, beginning in May 2021.  In addition, work on the guideway including the installation of drainage in the median between Sir George Etienne Parkway to Orléans Boulevard Overpass began in February. This work will continue throughout the year.
 
Orléans Boulevard

Work continues at Orléans Boulevard, north and south of the 174, to relocate utilities, including a watermain, storm and sanitary sewer and gas line.  On the west side of Orléans Boulevard, a culvert to improve drainage will be installed. This work will continue through June 2021.Trim
A new watermain and sewer line is being installed to service the future Trim LRT Station and bus
facility. At the same time, construction of a new eastbound off-ramp, and a future realignment of Trim
Road will begin with topsoil removal, embankment, and granular placement.
 
A road closure at Dairy Drive, from the traffic circle of Trim Road, to the Agropur Cooperative began in February. The Agropur Cooperative will remain accessible via Old Montreal Road (east of Trim Road). Closure of South Frontage, between the OC Transpo Park and Ride / Trim Station and Dairy Drive will continue until July 2021. The OC Transpo Park and Ride and Trim Station access to southbound Trim Road will be maintained via the construction of a detour route.   These activities are required to create a cul de sac which will facilitate the work for the future site of Trim Station.

Place d’Orléans

Beginning in April, significant construction activities will begin near Place d’Orléans with rock excavation. Hoe-ramming will be required to break up the bedrock. Excavation is also required to realign the 174 north and south of the existing highway to move traffic to make room for the work to build the guideway and the Place d’Orléans Station. There will be further rock excavation required for the guideway and station. The rock breaking and excavation work will continue through July 2021. Utilities work, such as drainage installation, will
continue through the Spring this year.



Trim

A new watermain and sewer line is being installed to service the future Trim LRT Station and bus
facility. At the same time, construction of a new eastbound off-ramp, and a future realignment of Trim
Road will begin with topsoil removal, embankment, and granular placement.
 
A road closure at Dairy Drive, from the traffic circle of Trim Road, to the Agropur Cooperative began in February. The Agropur Cooperative will remain accessible via Old Montreal Road (east of Trim Road). Closure of South Frontage, between the OC Transpo Park and Ride / Trim Station and Dairy Drive will continue until July 2021. The OC Transpo Park and Ride and Trim Station access to southbound Trim Road will be maintained via the construction of a detour route.   These activities are required to create a cul de sac which will facilitate the work for the future site of Trim Station.


COMMUNITY IMPACTS

Typically, most work is scheduled to occur from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. There will be requirements for overnight work across the entire corridor, and some intermittent weekend work, Throughout the year.
 
Noise and vibration from trucks and heavy equipment is expected.
 
Site lighting for overnight work will be required. 
 
All pedestrian, cycling, bus, and vehicular movements will generally be maintained during construction apart from highway ramp closures. Pedestrians and cyclists should use extra caution when localized detours are in place.
 
Motorists should adhere to detours, traffic control signage, posted speed limits, and use extra caution as traffic patterns change. Motorists should use caution and allow for added travel time when moving through active construction corridors.


CONTACT US

This notice provides an overview of activities expected to occur until June 2021. Specific timing of activities, including road closures or detours, overnight activities or other major works, will be communicated in advance via the Stage 2 project e-newsletter.
 
 
For questions, please contact:
Dianna Ashworth
Stakeholder Relations, Rail Construction Program
City of Ottawa
dianna.ashworth1@ottawa.ca 
www.ottawa.ca/stage2

[J.OT13]

From Laura Dudas, first caisson of Montreal Station.


https://twitter.com/Laura_Dudas/stat...20315942481930

[J.OT13]

Transportation Committee today, the City will ask the Province to build a parking structure at Trim Station to encourage commuters east of the city (Rockland, Clarence...) to park-and-ride instead of using the city's 174. The argument is that the Province I guess "owes" the City for downloading the 174 20-odd years ago.

[J.OT13]

We have a very detailed Stage 2 O-Train East Extension update. Good to see!

Here are some highlights, starting with the schedule:

• Blair fly-over to be completed by Summer 2020, with track work starting Fall 2021!
• Re-alignment of the 174 between the fly-over and Montreal by December 2021.
• The first rail spike is expected to go into the ground in in the Fall east of Montreal Road, a major milestone for the entire Stage 2 project.
• Montreal Station bridge to be completed by September 2021.
• Jeanne d'Arc station construction May 2021-January 2023.
• Convent Glen September 2021-Spring 2023.
• Place d'Orleans May 2021-January 2023.
• Trim September 2021-Fall 2023.

Well worth reading though the entire update: https://ottawa.ca/en/planning-develo...mation-session