Ottawa Light Rail Transit - Confederation Line and Highway 417 Widening

The Confederation Line Light Rail Transit project delivered a 12.5 km urban transit system across Ottawa, including 13 stations and a combination of underground, at-grade, and elevated infrastructure integrated through the city’s core.

EllisDon played a key role in delivering major elements of the program, including a 4.2 km widening of Highway 417, one of Ottawa’s busiest expressways, completed under live traffic conditions. The work required a coordinated approach to transit and transportation infrastructure, integrating rail, roadway, and structural systems within a constrained urban corridor. 

The project involved significant bridges and structures works, including bridge widening, rehabilitation, and rapid bridge replacements, as well as new grade-separated structures and an elevated guideway. Major works included reconstruction of multi-span bridges, overpasses, and in-water structural work at the Rideau River crossing. 

Extensive earthworks and land development were undertaken across the corridor, including grading, excavation, drainage installation, and roadway reconstruction. These activities were sequenced alongside structural works to maintain continuous progress while preserving live traffic operations. 

The project also required comprehensive utilities coordination, including relocation and integration of both dry and wet services, carried out over multiple phases to maintain uninterrupted service to surrounding communities. 

A key component of the program was the maintenance and storage facility at Belfast Yard, constructed by EllisDon to support vehicle assembly, inspection, cleaning, and servicing. The facility forms a critical part of the system’s long-term operation, enabling reliable fleet performance and day-to-day transit operations.

Associated works included water and wastewater infrastructure, such as drainage systems and in-water works delivered with environmental controls.

Underground components of the system involved mined tunnel construction and station caverns, supporting delivery of below-grade infrastructure within a dense urban environment.

The project incorporated power and electrification systems required to operate the electric light rail network, along with train control and system integration to support reliable transit service.

Sustainability and digital integration were incorporated into both construction and long-term operations. The maintenance and administration building at the Belfast facility achieved LEED Certified status through the use of high-efficiency building systems and diversion of the majority of construction waste materials. EllisDon also supported commissioning of network and enterprise systems and continues to contribute to operational performance and cybersecurity.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a key priority throughout the project. The administration and maintenance building at the Belfast Yard facility was awarded LEED Certified, with key features including high-efficiency boilers and lighting systems , and 90 percent of construction waste materials from the site recycled.

Completed in July 2019 and opened to the public in September, the Confederation Line is more than a transit system. It is a city-building initiative that connects communities, supports growth, and sets the foundation for a new era of public transportation.

Energy & Digital Services

During the construction phase, Energy & Digital Services’ Network team was directly involved in the commissioning of the Network and the Enterprise Service Bus. During the operational phase, our team is working with the operator and the City of Ottawa on their cybersecurity procedures.

Achievements:

• 2013 American Public-Private-Partnership Deal of the Year from Project Finance Magazine
• 2013 Gold- National Awards for Innovation & Excellence from the Canadian Council for Public-Private-Partnerships (CCPPP)
• 2014 Best Rail Transit Project from the American P3 Awards
• 2015 Award of Excellence from Ontario Steel Design
• 2017 Infrastructure Project of the Year from Tunnelling Association of Canada (TAC)