Delays, detours and a region waiting for the Ion LRT

Most of the Ion LRT detour signs came down in Waterloo region this past year and there was anticipation of the first train arriving to signal the project turning a new corner.

While waiting for the trains to arrive and testing to begin, driversstarted to notice changes on the roads with newly laid tracks andLRT stations that were slowly coming together.

The final step in the first stage of light railwill come in 2018, when all the trains arrive and commuters start buying tickets and passes to ride the Ion.

Multi-media

Followers to twitter were able to track the arrival of the first train to the region. Residents also had a chance to tour that vehicle when it arrived at the Ion facility in Waterloo.

• Tracking the first ION train? Twitter is tops for updates
• Tour the new ION vehicle in this 1-minute video

Analysis

Like it or not, construction of the LRT means the arrival of new business to the area, according to studies and developers who are investing along the corridor.

• Waterloo Region's LRT project issues not so bad: Pembina report
• LRT 'opportunity of a lifetime' for housing diversity, says expert
• Value of new builds along LRT corridor worth $2.1B, says Region of Waterloo

Testing 1,2,3...

Despite delays and paperwork issues testing on the Iontrains eventually began.

• Second LRT vehicle delivery delayed to late August at earliest
• King Street and Victoria intersection will open for traffic Friday afternoon
• 3 LRT vehicles to be delivered to Waterloo region before Thanksgiving
• Anticipated LRT testing postponed due to missing paperwork
• 'Everything was positive,' ION light rail car completes first testing