If one of the options for the STO is an elevated line, maybe they should be looking at some different technologies. The German company Max Bögl Group (MBG) has something that might be interesting; an Urban Mag-Lev.
See the article at Urban Transport Magazine. From what I can make out, the technology is adapted from the defunct Transrapid Mag-Lev that runs in Shanghai. MBG have just
flown two cars to China for testing on a 3.5 km test track.
The specifications look like something that STO might be interested in:
• Relatively short cars, at 12 metres, that can be coupled into 2 to 6-unit trains;
• Speeds up to 150 km/h;
• Curves as tight as 45 metre radii (300 metre vertical radius);
• Grades up to 10%;
• Pier spacing up to 72 metres (so, only 5 piers in the water to cross the Ottawa River, if the island is used);
• The tracks somewhat protect the technology from the elements;
• Estimated cost of 30-50 Euros per kilometre with pre-fab track sections.
It is interesting that the STO estimates $2.1B for about 26 kilometres of track - which works out to about $80M/k (which is around the 50M Euros per kilometre mark). Of course, the STO number will include stations and other works needed, while the 30-50 Euro/k estimate by the mag-lev manufacturer is likely for running line only.
Still, as the first installation in North America, and a great test-bed for winter operations, maybe the company will offer STO a deal that they can't refuse.
The STO line could even draw in customers as a tourist attraction. Imagine the views as the tram leaves the elevated Chaudière Station (
with its own look-out tower/restaurant, perhaps built in conjunction with ZIBI, its 'skywalk' to Les Terrasses, and its access to the start of the new Ottawa Hydro path past the falls to the War Museum), sweeps over ZIBI to a stop above the north end of the Portage Bridge (
with connection into Place du Portage), and then rises further in a graceful arc over the River, giving excellent views of the Museum on History, the new Interprovincial Bridge (
which will replace the Alexandra Bridge), the Chateau Laurier's new rear addition (
OK, maybe we want to skip that view), and the back of the Parliament Buildings (
arguably its best side), before entering the portal in the side of the cliff to stop above the Confederation Line under Bank Street, with access down to both the Lyon and Parliament/Parlement Stations (
and, perhaps, form the start of the Bank Street Subway).