O-Train East Extension Overview
Work is well underway to extend the O-Train East-West Line from Blair Station to Trim Road. The O-Train East extension will see the Light-Rail Transit (LRT) continue from Blair Station to Trim Road, adding 12 kilometres of rail; 5 new stations to the O-Train network at Montreal Road, Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, Convent Glen, Place d’Orléans, and Trim Road; 4 new bridges; 6 bridges rehabilitated; 1 pedestrian bridge; and 3 major culverts.
The O-Train East Line will travel predominantly within the median of Highway 174 between Blair Road and Trim Road, providing stations that are equal distance from communities on either side.

Here is the plan for the East extension schedule:

Looking back at 2020
In 2020, the main objective on the East extension was the relocation of infrastructure, including various utilities such as sewers, hydro lines, watermains, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure in the OR174 corridor at Green’s Creek, Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, Orléans Boulevard and Champlain Street to set the stage for the future track and station construction in the median. In November, crews worked over five weeks and weekends to make room for the future Montréal Station and tracks. This work was critical to enable the demolition of the existing bridges over the course of the first weekend in December 2020 and the start of the deep foundation for the station.
Fast-forward to 2021
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 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.
The City of Ottawa’s Rail Construction Program continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and is in contact with the constructors about adhering to guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health and the Province of Ontario. Construction schedules and sequencing are subject to change as work progresses, at the discretion of the project contractor.
Should there be any significant changes to this information, and as additional construction activities are scheduled through 2021, the public will be updated via electronic updates. Please sign-up for Stage 2 e-newsletter updates, specifying the extensions and stations of interest, to receive updates targeted for those areas.
Here is what you can expect to occur in 2021 in terms of major activities:
Blair Station to 174 Median Rail Bridge
Work continues to progress on the Blair Station to 174 Median Rail Bridge. The new rail bridge will bring the O-Train East from the north side of the highway into the OR174 median, where the guideway will remain until reaching the terminus station at Trim Road.
In April 2021, 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 in the Fall 2021.
Roadwork continues on the westbound OR 174 lanes. Anticipated completion of the lanes is September 2021.
174 Median Rail Bridge to Montreal Road Interchange
Roadwork continues between Blair Road and Montreal Road. Crews and equipment are removing asphalt and concrete as seen in the picture below from the old highway in the median.
Once the rail bridge construction is completed, all traffic on the OR174 will be shifted to its new alignment allowing for guideway construction to begin in the median. This work will take place from April-December 2021.
Currently, eastbound and westbound traffic are directed to the south side of the existing median allowing for the continued construction of the 174 Median Rail bridge. The construction of new westbound lanes on the north side will be completed September 2021.
Montréal Station
Montréal Station will be located above Montreal Road within the median of OR174. Construction on the Montréal Station will start in September 2021 with a completion target date of March 2023.
Montréal Station | |
---|---|
Bus Connections | Yes |
Elevators | 4 |
Bike Parking Spaces | 40 |
Benches | 4 |
Fare Gates | 8 |
Crews and equipment continue to work hard to transform the future Montréal Station area. New station decking is being built within the median of the OR174 Interchange, across Montreal Road for the LRT guideway and tracks. 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.
Bridge construction and station excavation will continue until September 2021. Construction activities will include the completion of bridge columns, abutments, and pier caps.
Beginning on April 8, commuters will experience traffic impacts on Montreal Road for approximately three months to create a safe work zone. North side vehicular lanes under the OR174 overpass will be closed and south side lanes will be repurposed to accommodate bi-directional traffic. As a result, vehicular lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
All pedestrians and cycling movements will be maintained via the newly improved multi-use pathway on the south side of Montreal Road.
The Montreal Road northwest ramp realignment will take place from June to July 2021 while the guideway (median) work will start in October 2021.
Montreal Road Interchange to Jeanne d’Arc
Westbound OR174 widening between Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway and Green’s Creek will start in July 2021 while guideway (median) work will be completed September 2021.
Work on a pedestrian bridge at Green’s Creek recently started and is targeted to be completed in Summer 2021.
Jeanne d’Arc Station
Construction on the future Jeanne d’Arc Station will start in May 2021 with a completion target date of January 2023. The station will be built at-grade with access to elevated boulevard and a multi-use pathway from Fortune Drive will also be accessible from the station.
Improvements to the intersection north of the future station are being made as part of the Stage 2 project. All traffic movement entering or existing the OR 174 will be controlled with a signalized intersection that will provide dedicated pedestrian crossing.
Jeanne d’Arc Station | |
---|---|
Number of Entrances | 2 |
Fare Gates | 8 |
Elevators | 4 |
Bike Parking Spaces | 40 |
Bus Connections | Yes |
Crews continue work on Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard on-ramps at OR174 to shift lanes in order to make space for future tracks in the median. Work is to be completed May 2021.
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 station. Guideway (median) work continues until September 2021.
Convent Glen Station
Station excavation starts September 2021 while construction on the future Convent Glen Station will start in October 2021 with a completion anticipated in spring 2023. The station will be built at-grade with access to Orléans Boulevard.
The Orléans Boulevard bridge is being reconfigured to allow bi-directional cycle tracks, a MUP, and dedicated bus lanes. Vehicular lanes over the bridge will be reduced to one lane each direction.
Convent Glen Station | |
---|---|
Number of Entrances | 2 |
Fare Gates | 8 |
Elevators | 4 |
Bike Parking Spaces | 40 |
Work continues at Orléans Boulevard, north and south of the 174, to relocate utilities. On the west side of Orléans Boulevard, a culvert to improve drainage will be installed. This work will continue through June 2021.
Roadwork to facilitate the widening of the OR174 eastbound and westbound will take place from June-August 2021 while guideway (median) work starts September 2021.
Place d’Orléans Station
Station excavation will begin in May 2021 while construction on the future Place d’Orléans Station will start July 2021 with a completion target date of January 2023.
The station will be built at-grade with access to elevated boulevard and will be connected to Place d’Orléans Bus Rapid Transitway.
Place d’Orléans Station | |
---|---|
Number of Entrances | 4 |
Fare Gates | 16 |
Elevators | 6 |
Escalator | 1 |
Bike Parking Spaces | 40 |
Washrooms | Yes |
Bus Connections | Yes |
Significant construction activities will take place near Place d’Orléans during 2021. Excavation will be required to realign the OR174 north and south of the existing highway to move traffic to make room for the work to build the guideway, which will take place from May-August 2021. The widening of OR174 will take place until May 2021.
Utilities work at Place d’Orléans, such as drainage installation, will continue through the Spring 2021.
Tenth Line and Taylor’s Creek areas
Eastbound and westbound OR174 widening will take place from June to September 2021 to make space for the guideway. Once space is created, guideway work will begin in September 2021.
Trim Station
Station excavation starts September 2021 for the future Trim Station. The start of station construction is anticipated in November 2021 with a completion expected in Fall 2023.
The station will be built at-grade with access to an elevated boulevard and will have a 60m pedestrian overpass connecting to the Trim and Park and Ride.
Trim Station | |
---|---|
Number of Entrances | 2 |
Fare Gates | 6 |
Elevators | 4 |
Escalator | 2 |
Bike Parking Spaces | 60 |
Washrooms | Yes |
Bus Connections | Yes |
In order to make space for the future station, Trim Road needs to be realigned. The OR174 and Trim Road intersection will be shifted to the east and wrap around the east side of the park and ride to join the traffic circle and follow the existing alignment. Pedestrian and cycling connectivity is in the process of being finalized.
A new drainage system is being currently installed to service the future Trim LRT Station and bus facility. Work will continue until October 2021.
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 with a completion expected in August 2021.
Community Impacts
Residents can expect the following planned mobility impacts during construction. All mobility impacts will be communicated to residents prior to construction starting.
Location | Timeline | Traffic & Mobility Impacts |
---|---|---|
Montreal Road (under Highway 174) | Two months in Spring to Summer 2021 | Two lanes of Montreal Road (one lane each direction) closed under Highway 174. |
Highway 174 | Weekends from April to September 2021 | There will be anticipated weekend impacts on the OR 174. All impacts and traffic plans will be communicated ahead of work beginning. |
Most work is scheduled to occur from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. There will be requirements for overnight work and some intermittent weekend work.
Noise and vibration from trucks and heavy equipment is expected. Noise and vibration levels are continuously monitored and reported to the City to ensure they are within the limits established for the Project.
Site lighting for overnight work will be required.
During roadworks, such as the widening of the OR174 to make space for the guideway (median), commuters can expect lane reductions and lane closures. Any impacts of the like will be communicated through public notifications via electronic newsletter.
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.
Stay Informed!
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