‘Important milestone’: Testing begins on O-Train east extension

OC Transpo is calling it an important milestone for the Stage 2 O-Train east extension.

After regular O-Train Line 1 service ended Sunday night, an Alstom Citadis Spirit train was operated on the east extension for the first time.

In a memo to council, OC Transpo said the series of tests culminated in the successful energization of the overhead catenary system (OCS) from Blair Station to Montréal Station.

The memo goes on to say the milestone was achieved following testing activities, including track commissioning, traction power substation testing, and OCS testing.

“Travelling at walking speed, the train was escorted by staff on foot to verify the interface between the train’s pantograph and the OCS while the train was in motion,” said Michael Morgan, Acting General Manager of the Transit Services Department.

Additional testing of the same section is expected later this week, with testing of the signal and train control system to begin this spring.

The O-Train East Extension will extend OC Transpo’s rail network east from Blair Station to Trim Road, adding 12.5 kilometres of rail to Line 1 along with five new stations at Montreal Road, Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, Convent Glen, Place d’Orléans and Trim Road.

Further information on the east extension project will be shared at the February 29 Light Rail Sub-Committee meeting.