OC Transpo announces August service changes on Ottawa’s O-Train Lines 1 and 2 for extension work and safety upgrades. Expect partial closures and delays.
Partial Shutdowns Across Line 1 This Month
Ottawa’s transit agency, OC Transpo, has scheduled three partial shutdowns of Line 1 throughout August due to ongoing extension and tunnel work. Line 1 service will be disrupted on Saturday, August 16, Sunday, August 17, and again on Sunday, August 31 to support the expansion of the rail line eastward from Blair to Trim stations and additional tunnel upgrades at St-Laurent Station.
On August 16 and 17, trains will not run east of Tremblay Station. On August 31, full Line 1 service will be replaced with R1 buses during the morning hours, with rail operations expected to resume by noon.
R1 Buses and Shuttle Replacements
During the scheduled closures, OC Transpo will operate R1 replacement buses between Hurdman and Blair stations. A separate shuttle will serve passengers between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations, ensuring continued access despite rail service interruptions. Riders are advised to check real-time updates and allow extra travel time.
Extension Work Includes Tech and Training
The current construction involves installing security systems, cameras, and operational software along the 12.5-kilometre stretch of new track and five new stations. The downtime also facilitates additional driver training on the new extension. OC Transpo has confirmed the east extension remains on track to open by the end of 2025.
Line 2 Reduced Frequency for Equipment Installation
From August 11 to 15, Line 2 service will run every 24 minutes after 8 p.m., rather than the usual 12-minute intervals. The reduced schedule will allow technicians to install monitoring systems for axle bearings, which are essential components connecting wheels to trains. These upgrades follow earlier mechanical concerns that affected Line 1 operations.
Other Lines Remain Unaffected
Line 4, which connects to the Ottawa airport, will continue normal operations during the Line 2 adjustments. OC Transpo has not announced additional changes to other lines at this time but noted that further service disruptions may occur in September as expansion work progresses.
Long-Term Vision for Transit Expansion
OC Transpo’s broader goal includes expanding westward to Moodie Drive and Algonquin College by 2027. As Ottawa’s light rail network grows, city officials emphasize the importance of short-term disruptions in achieving long-term efficiency, safety, and coverage.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
