Line 1 east extension hits next step, inching closer to spring opening

Stage 2 of the O-Train east extension inched closer to a spring opening date after staff shared that the project is in the substantial completion step.

This is the second stage of the finishing touches on the line, with trial running, final preparations and finally, passengers allowed on board still on the to-do list. This step means that Rideau Transit Maintenance is resuming responsibility of the east extension.

Troy Charter, interim general manager of transit services, writes in an updated memo on March 5 that “at this time, we continue to be on track to launch the east extension in Q2 2026.”

“This milestone is a significant step towards connecting east end communities to downtown and western neighbourhoods through the existing train system,” the memo reads.

Substantial completion is used to familiarize staff with the line and understand what they need to do to maintain the infrastructure. These steps to opening are one of the “best practices” used during the successful launch of Lines 2 and 4, officials said.

After this step, staff will update the control system software, platform edge cameras will be adjusted, and landscaping and final paving will be completed on Highway 174.

East end residents are patiently awaiting the opening of the long-promised O-Train extension.

When completed, it will extend Line 1 from Blair to Trim stations and introduce rail access to several dense neighbourhoods.

OC Transpo is extending rail by 12.5 kilometres and adding five new stations, where residents of Orléans, Blackburn Hamlet, and Beacon Hill will be within 5 kilometres of light rail.