G.T.R. construction, betterments, etc.

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Ottawa Improvements.—A Gray. Resident Engineer. G.T.R., Ottawa, in an address to the Ottawa branch. Canadian Society Civil Engineers, Feb. 8, referred to the work being done by the company at Ottawa. He stated that already over $2,000,000 had been expended on account of the erection of the hotel and station, and the expenses incurred in connection with the enlargement of the yards, etc. The accommodation for passenger trains had been increased 100%, by the alterations, and the freight yard had its accommodation increased 50%. The tracks have been laid in the yards with 100 lbs. steel. The tracks are ballasted with broken stone instead of sand or gravel, in order to avoid dust. The changes in the freight yards alone cost $45,000. He went into the details about the retaining wall which was constructed along the canal, which cost much more than was first expected, because a boulder and gravel bottom was found for a distance where rock foundation was anticipated and piers had to be sunk. The cost of this retaining wall was $24,050. The wall is designed to carry 5,000 lbs. to the foot.

He also described the train-shed covering the eight tracks, which is to be 500 by 182 ft. The entire roof will be of glass, though the exact kind is not yet decided. It will be set in steel with steel supports for the roof. It will extend from the present baggage annex to the retaining wall along the canal. The train shed has an opening in the roof directly over the engine funnel in order to do away with the smoke in the shed as would be the case if the entire place were covered. The platforms will be, of course, of concrete. The work will be started next summer.

It is proposed to install an interlocking switch system at the company's terminal yard and station, Ottawa, to build a new draw 'bridge across the Rideau canal at Elgin St. and to build a new roundhouse and repair shop at Ottawa East.

Railways: G.T.Ry.

Stations: Ottawa

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