Ontario's Region of Waterloo has launched a new website designed to keep residents and other interested parties updated on ION light rail transit construction, set to become intensive as 2015 begins.
Region of Waterloo officials noted Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, that ION construction initially will proceed in at least 2 locations, including five along the ION adapted Bus Rapid Transit route serving Cambridge, Ont., and seven along the ION light rail transit (LRT) route linking Waterloo and Kitchener. An overview of initial 2014 ION construction also was provided. The website will continually be updated to announce changes and plans as they evolve.
Groundbreaking is set to occur Thursday, Aug. 21. The C$1.9 billion (US$1.7 billion) design, build, operate, and maintenance (DBOM) plan was awarded last March to the GrandLinq consortium. Ion will employ Bombardier Flexity Freedom light rail vehicles.
ION staff will meet with residents, business owners, and community groups in the months ahead to reinforce the information flow, including updates on road restrictions and/or road closures.
Officials also plan to issue written notices to every resident and business owner within 100 meters of ION construction will receive a written notification before work begins. <br><br>
The GrandLinq consortium also is training supervisors to establish neighborhood contacts to expedite construction and address potential problems involving traffic and other disruptions involving access to residences or businesses.