Transit Service adjustments during Confederation Line construction – Transitway closure Hurdman to Blair

Councillor Stephen Blais, Chair of the Transit Commission, and John Manconi, OC Transpo General Manager, delivered a technical briefing today on the transit service adjustments required for the construction of the Confederation Line in the east end of the city. While many transit customers will not be affected by the construction, the City has invested $74 million in mitigation measures to minimize the impacts to those who will see a change to their commute in the east end of the city.

The technical briefing provided details on the transit service adjustments during the construction of the Confederation Line and how these adjustments will affect transit customers’ commutes. Starting this June, the Transitway will be closed between Blair Station and Hurdman Station to allow the construction of the Confederation Line. This section of the Transitway will remain closed until May 2018 when the Confederation Line officially opens for service.

“We thank customers for their patience as we work to deliver this significant city-transforming project,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “These adjustments are necessary so we can continue to build a world-class light rail transit system that will greatly benefit our families, our economy, and our environment for generations to come.

The mitigation measures include the construction of bus-only lanes on portions of Regional Road 174 and Highway 417, the acquisition of additional buses, the implementation of a new route in the east, and an integrated traffic management response team involving Public Works, Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.

“These measures will ensure that the level of service matches the expected ridership demand and that there continues to be sufficient capacity on the system for all customers,” said Councillor Stephen Blais, Chair of the Transit Commission. “The aim is to maintain key connection points as well as keep transit routes as close as possible to current routes.”

A comprehensive communication program will be utilized to ensure that all customers are aware of the upcoming changes in a timely manner. Customers are encouraged to look for _ “Our Transit Future Is On Track” _ messages starting soon.