O-Train service resumes at Blair Station following gas leak

The Ottawa Fire Services says a vehicle drove off the road in the area of Highway 174 westbound at Blair Road just before 7 a.m. and struck a gas line. (Ottawa Fire Services/X)

O-Train Line 1 service resumed in Ottawa’s east end Wednesday afternoon, after a gas leak near Blair Station disrupted service for five hours.

OC Transpo shutdown O-Train service between Blair and Tunney’s Pasture stations at approximately 7 a.m. after a single-vehicle crash nearby. The crash damaged a gas line in the area, which is used to provide fuel to switch heaters on O-Train Line 1 in the east end.

R1 bus service was running between the two stations to keep passengers moving.

The Ottawa Fire Services says the vehicle left the road and struck a gas line.

“Our chief in command had the LRT shut down and Enbridge is currently on scene working on containing the leak,” Ottawa fire said on X.

There were no reported injuries.

A vehicle posted by the Ottawa Fire Services showed the vehicle on the grass next to the fence for the O-Train line.

OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar says the gas leak has stopped, allowing service at Blair Station to safely resume in both directions while repairs continue. R1 bus service will be providing final trips to accommodate passengers.

The gas line that was damaged in the crash provides fuel to the switch heaters on Line 1 in the area.

“Switch heaters near Blair Station will not be functioning as they receive gas through the damaged line,” Amilcar said.

“OC Transpo will monitor the switches carefully until the gas line is fully repaired, and RTM will have staff available to manually clear snow or debris from the switches if required.”

Amilcar added the Blair Road on-ramp to westbound Highway 174 will be closed in order for repair equipment to be brought to the area. It’s unclear how long the ramp will be closed.

“OC Transpo is working in collaboration with Ottawa Traffic Services to facilitate the closure and minimize impacts to motorists where possible,” Amilcar said.

Line 2

An issue with a switch disrupted service on O-Train Line 2 for approximately 30 minutes during the morning commute.

OC Transpo said due to the switch problem, service was only operating on the northbound platform towards Bayview at South Keys Station.

Regular service resumed just before 8:30 a.m. on all platforms at South Keys station.

This is a developing story. CTV News Ottawa will have the latest as it becomes available