OC Transpo reopens section of LRT shut down due to mechanical failure

LRT Line 1 service between Rideau and Hurdman stations resumed just before 6 p.m. on Sunday,after maintenance crewscompleterepairs onamechanical failure inthe overhead cable systemthat caused OC Transpo to shut down the stretch of track.

At approximately 11:45 p.m. Saturday, part of the Overhead Catenary System the cables that supply electricity to the cars experienced a mechanical failure near Lees Station, according to Rene Amilcar, general manager of transit services.

One train was nearby and stopped safely, while roughly 20 passengers transferred to a replacement bus.

Rideau Transit Maintenance staff went to the site Saturday night to assess the problem and began repairs Sunday morning, she wrote in a release.

The track was closed for about 18 hours.For much of the day Sunday, replacement busesran between Hurdman and Rideau stations.

In an update Sunday afternoon, Amilcarwrote that a preliminary review suggests the failure may have been due to an "issue with a previous repair."

Amilcar said earlier Sundaythe system would reopen, once it was safe to do so. And that more details on what caused the problem are expected later this week.