New tracks laid down signal next phase of massive LRT project in Mississauga
Published November 9, 2023 at 12:30 pm
On a major light-rail transit line that will run from south Mississauga all the way north into Brampton, 40 metres of train tracks might not seem like a big deal.
However, project leaders overseeing construction of the $1.4-billion Hazel McCallion Line said in an online update this week that those tracks now being put down on Hurontario Street south of the QEW represent a move into an important new phase of the massive transit undertaking.
Officials say 40 metres of guideway, a dedicated section of tracks where trains run separate from traffic, are now being installed near a recently completed bridge that connects areas east of Hurontario Street with those on the west side of the major road.
“The area around Port Credit GO Station is about to undergo some changes,” said officials with Metrolinx, the provincial agency overseeing the huge transit project that’s on schedule to be completed by fall 2024. “That’s because crews just completed the construction of a new bridge at Eaglewood Boulevard. The completion of this phase of construction has allowed for the start of the guideway track installation of the future Hazel McCallion Line in Mississauga south.”
Officials say 20 metres of guideway are being installed running north of the bridge and another 20 metres of track to the south.
Once the tracks are installed, the new Eaglewood Bridge will be handed over to the City of Mississauga and opened to the public, project leaders with Metrolinx said.
“By installing the guideway while motorists can still use the Inglewood Drive intersection and before the Eaglewood Boulevard intersection is officially opened to the public, crews are able to avoid a full intersection closure,” project leaders added.
Once opened, the new bridge and intersection at Eaglewood Boulevard will replace the existing bridge and intersection over the creek at Inglewood Drive, officials added.
“On top of enhancing traffic flow and connecting communities on both sides of Hurontario Street, this reconfiguration will create a more efficient coordination with the ongoing LRT guideway construction on Hurontario Street.”
Image shows the new Eaglewood Bridge and surrounding area. (Image: Metrolinx)
When completed and open to passengers in fall 2024, the Hazel McCallion Line will whisk riders as far as 18 kilometres from Port Credit GO Station in south Mississauga to Brampton, via Hurontario Street.
Running between Peel’s two cities, the route will feature 19 stops along the way. It will also connect with other transit services, including MiWay and Brampton Transit.
Map shows stops along the Hazel McCallion Line. (Image: Metrolinx)