The City of Ottawa’s council has approved the selection of the Rideau Transit Group as the preferred bidder to design, build, finance and maintain the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project and to build and finance the widening of Highway 417. The RTG team members include: ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., EllisDon Inc., SNC-Lavalin Inc., SNC-Lavalin Constructors Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., EllisDon Corporation, and Veolia Transportation Services Inc.
On December 19, 2012, city council unanimously endorsed staff’s recommendation and selected Rideau Transit Group as the preferred bidder. Staff from City of Ottawa and Infrastructure Ontario will finalize contract details. The project contract will be finalized following completion of negotiations and financial close, which are both expected in early 2013. Construction of the OLRT is expected to begin in spring 2013 with the widening of Highway 417 from Nicholas Street to Ottawa 174.
The OLRT will be publicly owned and will be integrated with the City of Ottawa’s existing transit service, OC Transpo and will be aligned with the city’s Transportation Master Plan, as well.