Tunnel construction begins for Ottawa's Confederation Line

Ontario and Ottawa officials late last week marked the start of tunnel construction for the Confederation Line light-rail transit (LRT) system.

The event marked a "historic moment" for Canada's capital, government officials said in a press release.

"The Ottawa LRT project is just one example of how the government is investing in infrastructure to move Ontario forward," said Bob Chiarelli, member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean.

The Confederation Line is a $2.1 billion project jointly funded by the Canadian government, province of Ontario and city of Ottawa. The 7.8-mile electric light-rail system will replace existing diesel-powered buses to provide rapid transit between Blair Station in the east and Tunney's Pasture in the west.

The route will include 13 stations and a 1.6-mile tunnel.