ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[BuildingScout]

In terms of construction delays, we must keep in mind that, as far as I understand, GrandLinq is not just responsible for building the LRT but also for operating it. I'm unsure what are the implications of this arrangement in terms of construction delays, but it certainly is a different dynamic than the simple "build and deliver" standard construction contract.

[Canard]

Can you explain a little more what you mean? Like that delays are OK if they make up for it in testing?

[BuildingScout]

Can you explain a little more what you mean? Like that delays are OK if they make up for it in testing?

What I mean is that the typical contractor has no great incentive to deliver a project in time. Here the contractor and operator are one and the same, so their interests are linked in a way they usually aren't.

[KevinL]

What I mean is that the typical contractor has no great incentive to deliver a project in time. Here the contractor and operator are one and the same, so their interests are linked in a way they usually aren't.

Which is a good thing! The Region was wise to make the contract that way, so that the contractor would need to operate the very system they built.

[Square]

Driving down Ottawa, I saw a sign near King to Courtland stating that this stretch will be closing April 4 for 8 months! Soon ALL parts of the ION route will have construction on it.

[Canard]

Yeah! I had an "....oh!" moment when I saw that... I'm terrible at navigating, but I can't imagine an easy workaround to Ottawa being closed.

Ottawa is going to be a tight alignment.

[KevinL]

 I can't imagine an easy workaround to Ottawa being closed.

Stirling or Sydney, mainly. Kent, if you only need to get to Courtland.

[Square]

A few more photos from today.

What are the rails in the middle of the track on the culvert bridge in Waterloo Park for?   Thank you.

[isUsername]

What are the rails in the middle of the track on the culvert bridge in Waterloo Park for?   Thank you.

Many (most?) rail bridges have these. They help prevent a derailed train from going off the bridge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_rails_(railroad)

[KevinL]

You'll also see single guard rails on the inside of the trailing rail on a curve, in case a train's inertia gets the best of it. You can see them on the Charles/Benton and Charles/Ontario intersections.

[Square]

Thank you for the replies.

[GtwoK]

Why is this bridge being replaced (at Courtland / Shelley)? It's between the 2 car dealerships, isn't it? How does it impact the Ion construction at all?

[timio]

That looks to be a pedestrian crossing on the east side of Courtland.

[KevinL]

It was the car dealership's bridge to their other lot on the other side of the creek. Not sure why it's being replaced, no.

[timio]

The region's update shows it as being a new bridge on the east side. I'm doubtful that they touched the bridge at the dealership. Anyone been down there recently to verify?