New bridge will improve traffic flow as part of huge LRT project in Mississauga

A new bridge being built to improve traffic flow in south Mississauga as part of the $1.4-billion Hurontario St. light rail transit (LRT) project is nearly complete.

Project leaders with Metrolinx, the provincial agency overseeing construction of the 18-kilometre Hazel McCallion Line, said this week in an online update that construction of a new bridge over Mary Fix Creek is more than 80 per cent complete.

“This will create better traffic flow and coordination with the new LRT guideway” on Hurontario St., Metrolinx officials said.

When open to passengers in fall 2024, the Hazel McCallion Line will whisk riders from the Port Credit GO station in south Mississauga all the way north into Brampton, with 19 stops along the way.

The Mary Fix Creek bridge and other major work on the creek itself are key parts of the LRT project in south Mississauga near Port Credit GO.

The new bridge over one of Mississauga’s oldest and most important creeks will extend from Eaglewood Blvd. in the east to Oriole Ave. in the west, just south of Inglewood Dr.

It’s replacing the aging structure that was in place for decades, project leaders note.

Work around both 100-year-old Mary Fix Creek and Etobicoke Creek has been underway for some time, and continues.

We’re building bridges! 🤝Construction is over 80% complete on a new Eaglewood Bridge over #MaryFixCreek. It will replace the existing bridge over the creek at Inglewood Drive. This will create better traffic flow and coordination with the new LRT guideway on Hurontario. pic.twitter.com/IdlFkT66nn

— The Hazel McCallion Line (@HMcCallionLine) June 19, 2023

The two watercourses are being restored and revitalized as part of the huge transit project.

“Not only is their restoration beneficial in enhancing habitat for local wildlife, but also for future flood risk, particularly at Mary Fix Creek,” project leaders said last fall, noting the creeks are used as a natural flood management system as they reduce the flow of water prior to it reaching larger waterways.

“They offer a sustainable approach to managing and reducing the impacts of floods. Creek networks are very beneficial to the environment and provide areas for species and habitats to thrive.

“These waterways provide important flood protection and prevent soil erosion in the local areas in Brampton and Mississauga.”

Named for a local pioneer, Mary Fix Creek flows from the Mavis Rd./Eglinton Ave. area in central Mississauga, then parallel to Hurontario St. south of the QEW before emptying into the Credit River at the CN bridge in Port Credit.

“This creek plays an important role in the city’s water infrastructure,” Metrolinx said, noting work crews have used extreme care around the creek.

“The creek provides vital flood protection and prevents soil erosion in the Port Credit area.”

Meanwhile, project leaders provided members of the public with an update on the Hazel McCallion Line at a virtual open house last week.

Among other things, Metrolinx officials told residents and others that the massive LRT project remains on track to open in fall 2024.

Tracks were laid several weeks ago on a busy section of Hurontario St. as work continued on the LRT route.

Reconstruction of the Mary Fix Creek channel is happening as part of #HazelMcCallionLine construction to better manage storm flows and reduce the chance of flooding during storm events, such as Hurricane Hazel. Approximately 325m of the 400m channel reconstruction is complete. pic.twitter.com/GkFAiYp6Zf

— The Hazel McCallion Line (@HMcCallionLine) May 16, 2023