Ottawa LRT Stage 2: 2026 Construction & Route Map

Ottawa’s LRT Stage 2 expands the city’s rail network, adding three extensions. This $4.6B CAD project improves transit and reduces congestion.

Ottawa LRT Stage 2: 2026 Construction & Route Map
August 6, 2022 8:02 am
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Ottawa Light Rail Transit (LRT) Stage 2 Project Profile

The Ottawa LRT Stage 2 project is a transformative expansion of the city’s O-Train network, designed to extend light rail transit services significantly to the east, west, and south. This multi-billion dollar infrastructure initiative adds 44 kilometres of new rail and 24 new stations to enhance commuter capacity, reduce regional traffic congestion, and support sustainable urban growth.

AttributeDetails
Project NameO-Train Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project
LocationOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Total New Length44 kilometres (15 km West, 12 km East, 16 km South)
Rolling Stock SpeedDesigned for operating speeds up to 90 km/h
Estimated Cost$4.66 billion CAD
Project Status (Nov 2025)Phased Opening: Partially Operational, Nearing Full Completion
Key ContractorsEast-West Connectors (Confederation Line Extensions), TransitNEXT (Trillium Line South Extension), Rideau Transit Group (RTG)

Technical Specifications

The Stage 2 expansion is executed through three primary extensions. The Confederation Line is extended 15 km west from Tunney’s Pasture to Moodie and Algonquin, and 12 km east from Blair to Trim. The Trillium Line is extended 16 km south from Greenboro to Limebank, with an additional 4 km spur to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. The project’s rolling stock consists of Alstom Citadis Spirit Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), with the fleet size significantly increased to service the expanded network. Critical infrastructure upgrades include the construction of 24 new stations, significant tunnelling portions for the western extension, and the expansion of the Belfast Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) to accommodate and maintain the enlarged LRV fleet. The project is delivered via a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model, utilizing Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) contracts to manage risk and project timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Massive Network Expansion: The project nearly triples the length of Ottawa’s LRT system, adding 44 km of track and 24 stations to bring rail transit within five kilometres of 77% of the city’s population.
  • Economic and Environmental Driver: Stage 2 is a major economic catalyst, generating thousands of jobs and aiming to significantly reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by shifting commuters from private vehicles to electric-powered public transit.
  • P3 Delivery Model: The project’s reliance on a complex Public-Private Partnership (P3) model demonstrates a modern approach to funding and delivering large-scale infrastructure, distributing financial risk and leveraging private sector expertise in design, construction, and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Ottawa LRT Stage 2 be fully open?
The Ottawa LRT Stage 2 project is opening in phases. The Trillium Line South extension became operational first. The Confederation Line East extension followed, with the final Confederation Line West extension scheduled to be fully operational by 2026, completing the entire project.

Who is building the Ottawa LRT Stage 2?
The project is being built by several key consortia. East-West Connectors, a joint venture led by Kiewit and VINCI, is responsible for the Confederation Line extensions. TransitNEXT, a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin, is building and maintaining the Trillium Line South extension. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues its role in the overall network integration and delivery of new light rail vehicles.