Ottawa’s O-Train Confederation line is on-track for a 2018 opening.
The $2.1 billion project, which was announced in December 2012 with construction commencing during 2013, was described as the biggest infrastructure project in Ottawa’s 177-year history at its launch.
However, plans to further extend the line have also been drawn up and Stage 2 has now formally been approved by the City Council. Mayor Jim Watson has approached the federal government for funding to construct the extension ready for a 2023 opening.
Stage 2, plans of which were revealed here on Global Rail News in October 2013 , adds 19 new stations and 30 kilometres of track. Specifically, the new phase will take the network east from Blair to Place d’Orléans, west from Tunney’s to Bayshore and south from Greenboro to Bowesville.
A spokesperson for the City of Ottawa said that Stage 2 will: ” Link communities and connect residents to destinations across the City, including our major post-secondary institutions, retail centres (major malls including Bayshore, Rideau Centre, St. Laurent, Place d’Orléans, South Keys), employment nodes, as well as a broad range of recreational and cultural opportunities including parks, the Canal, museums and various other institutions.”
Environmental Assessment studies are underway for each of the rail extensions.
