Ottawa has launched its ‘Stage 2’ rail development plan which sets out proposals to extend the $2.1 billion Confederation Line further east and west.
Although preliminary tunnelling works have only just started on the new light rail system, which was announced in December 2012, city officials are already looking to stretch the network and extend the line west from Tunney’s to Bayshore and east from Blair to Place D’Orleans.
In total the transport masterplan looks to build an additional 35 kilometres of rail and 19 new stations, with an extension of the O-Train system included in the plans.
“This is a realistic, affordable, effective plan that would move up light rail projects an entire generation and create a true rallying point for our council, our residents and other levels of government,” said Mayor Jim Watson.
“By using light rail as a smart growth tool, the city, businesses and communities can better plan for the future together.”
The Confederation line was described as the biggest infrastructure project in Ottawa’s 177-year history at its launch last year.
Rideau Transit Group is delivering the new light rail system, with Alstom supplying 34 new Citadis Spirit trams.
Work is currently focussed on building a 2.5 km tunnel downtown.
