Upcoming Line 1 closures due to east extension construction and testing

Over the next several weeks, there are multiple disruptions to Ottawa’s Line 1 O-Train system due to testing and construction for the completion of the east extension.

In a memo sent to councillors, Troy Charter, manager of transit services, explains that there are several instances over the next month where Line 1 will not be running from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair stations. These are planned closures and are required to integrate the Stage 2 East Extension into the system.

The first one is coming this Sunday, Aug. 31 and will see no trains running along the length of the line before noon. R1 bus service will be operating between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair.

Following this minor disruption comes a lengthier closure in September. On the weekend of the 13 to 14, the line will close again to allow for testing. These tests are in relation to the work being done on Aug. 31 and will allow teams to confirm that the system is integrated.

This means on that weekend Line 1 is fully closed for the two days, but bus service will run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair station. A shuttle bus service will also run between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations.

At the same time, OC Transpo and Infrastructure and Water Services Department
(IWSD) will be doing inspections on the St-Laurent tunnel. Issues with the tunnel first arose in October 2024, when staff were forced to shut down a portion of the line due to concerns.

The Ontario Structure Inspection Manual found some broken pieces of concrete on the tracks of the light rail transit system (LRT) in the tunnel. This required minor chipping to remove loose concrete, creating issues during the evening commute.

Further impacts to Line 1 will continue into October for the transportation system to be maintained, the memo notes. For several days, the O-Train will have adjusted schedules and closures to allow work.

• Sept. 26: Line 1 will not operate after 8 p.m., and R1 will run between Tunney’s
  Pasture and Blair stations
• Sept. 29 to 29 and Oct. 2: Line 1 service will only be available at one platform at some stations after 11:30 p.m.
• Oct. 4 and 5: Line 1 will not operate, and R1 will run between Tunney’s Pasture and
  Blair stations

The construction includes rail replacement, rail grinding, upgrades to cables and cleaning of stations.

“Every effort was made to streamline and coordinate work to minimize customer disruptions,” the memo from Charter reads. “OC Transpo thanks customers for their
patience as this work is completed and positive progress is made as we prepare for the opening
of the O-Train East Extension.”