Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the construction of the extension of O-Train Lines 1/3 in Ottawa! Scheduled to open in 2026, the western extension, stretching to Algonquin and Moodie, will introduce a new chapter in Ottawa's public transit system, all centred around one of its more critical transfer hubs: Lincoln Fields. 

In this video, Rail Fans Canada got an exclusive opportunity to explore the future of transit at Lincoln Fields. The extension of O-Train Lines 1/3 promises to redefine the city's transportation landscape, with the western extension adding 15 kilometres of rail and 11 new stations. Additionally, we are honoured to have Mary-Ellen Gleeson, the Program Manager of the Rail Construction Program at the City of Ottawa, sharing her expertise and insights. Together, we'll better understand the construction process and the exciting amenities awaiting passengers on the expanded O-Train Lines 1/3. 

One of the extension's standout features includes two new cut-and-cover tunnels and an elevated flyover located south of Lincoln Fields where trains headed to Algonquin will split from those headed to Moodie. Those major projects will allow for frequent service between branches, bringing the O-Train network closer to more people than ever. 

Lincoln Fields Station is an existing Transitway Station that will be re-oriented and completely rebuilt to function as a new LRT station. The train platform will be located under Carling Avenue with a fare paid connection to the bus facility to allow passengers to transfer seamlessly without a requirement to pass through fare gates or revalidate their fare. There will be a minimum of three fare-controlled entrances: a station entrance will be provided from Carling Avenue; an entrance will provide access from the west side of the Guideway at grade; and, an entrance will be provided at the bus loop. The existing bus terminal will be reconfigured to accommodate bus platforms and bus layby facilities only, and a new bus drivers' facility. The PPUDO spaces currently located within the operating area of the bus terminal will be relocated and segregated from the fare paid zone with access from Carling Avenue, shared with buses as currently configured.

This major transfer station will be outfitted with public washrooms available to fare paid customers during LRT operation hours and will have provisions for a future retail space. A signalized pedestrian crossing will also be provided to facilitate improved station access across Carling Avenue.

The new Confederation Line Stage 2 "split" flyover near Lincoln Fields. The MUP bridge will be removed and shifted a bit north for OCS clearance.

Pier foundations for the new shifted MUP bridge. Woodroffe HS in background.

From the flyover bridge at the split, Moodie trains will dive down to a short tunnel under Connaught and cut past the corner of the OCTranspo Pinecrest bus storage ( in background). Then head to new Queensview Station. Roller coaster? 

Some Lincoln Fields construction photos. A complex station because it is also a major bus transfer and just before the split.

Tunnel Infrastructure piling and excavation preparation.

Great views of Lincoln Fields station from the distance, showing the size and scope of the work at this expansive and important station that will see a massive transformation over these coming years.

Lincoln Fields will be the western most transfer point for O-Train Lines 1 (to Algonquin) and Line 3 (to Moodie). Trains arriving from the east will emerge from a tunneled guideway into the station. Heading west, the tracks will split to serve both lines, with Line 1 passing underneath Line 3 (which will make use of a rail flyover, as shown in the lower images).

The Lincoln Fields rail flyover, permitting Lines 1 and 3 to diverge to their respective destinations. This photos were taken from a bus riding along the Transitway underneath the structure, in the same way that future O-Train Line 1 will travel.

 Station construction continues at Lincoln Fields. The first photo below is of the temporary bus loop that was constructed to allow for demolition of the original bus station's local platforms. 

This flyover will enable service further West from Lincoln Fields towards Moodie and Algonquin Stations. Trains bound for Moodie will make use of the flyover, while trains to Algonquin will pass underneath.

Construction continues at Lincoln Fields Station.

Demolition weekend has arrived. Behold Lincoln Fields station's local bus platforms be dismantled, a milestone step to getting O-Train extended west. The new temporary bus loop (located adjacent to the Transitway platforms) is open and now in service.

 A final look at Lincoln Fields local bus platforms, soon to be demolished to make way for the future O-Train Station.

Work continues to complete the temporary bus loop at Lincoln Fields, which will allow the demolition of the permanent local bus platforms, making way for the future O-Train Station in its place.