Construction begins for Ottawa's new light-rail line

Officials from Ottawa, Canada, met June 12 to lay the first track for the O-Train Confederation Line light-rail project.

Construction of the $2.1 billion, 7.7-mile line is expected to continue into 2017, according to a press release from the city of Ottawa. (All figures in Canadian dollars.)

The Confederation Line will be built along the Transitway's existing bus route, and will have 13 stations, including three contructed underground. It also will feature a maintenance and storage facility at Belfast Yard.

"Today’s milestone is another sign of momentum toward completing this world-class project on time and on budget," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson in a statement.

Ontario has pledged to invest up to $600 million toward the line, while the city of Ottawa will allocate up to $161.5 million from its federal Gas Tax Fund to the project. Additionally, Ottawa is setting aside $287 million toward the line's capital construction.

The remaining funds will come from development charge revenue and transit reserves, city officials said.

[Editor's note: This story has been updated from a previous version.]