Construction continues on the Hazel McCallion light-rail transit (LRT) line in Mississauga, with crews currently rebuilding tracks at the intersection of Hurontario Street and Topflight Drive. This location is pivotal as it serves as a key junction point for LRT trains traveling to and from a nearby maintenance and storage facility. The intersection is situated beside the border of Mississauga and Brampton, adjacent to Highway 407.
Recent Google Street View imagery from September 2023 showed extensive construction activity with newly laid tracks and ongoing renovations. This intersection also provides crucial access to a nearby GO Transit park-and-ride lot, which is frequented by MiWay and Brampton Transit buses. However, upon revisiting the area, CityNews captured additional video footage revealing freshly poured concrete and newly formed track beds indicating ongoing work.
Concerns regarding the construction's impact on local businesses have been raised by Mississauga Ward 5 Councillor Natalie Hart. "My first concern was for the businesses and the other parts of the community that use this area," she stated. Hart emphasized the importance of maintaining access for businesses, particularly during a critical recovery phase for the economy, as they grapple with disruptions caused by construction.
For residents needing to access businesses east of Hurontario Street, routes have been affected by construction, necessitating longer travel times through Derry Road and Edwards Boulevard. Metrolinx, the Ontario government agency overseeing the LRT project, issued a construction notice detailing that necessary track rework would be conducted between mid-April and July 2023. The agency indicated that these adjustments are vital for ensuring the safe operation of future light rail vehicles, although specifics regarding the safety issues weren't disclosed.
Hart noted that the requirement for track replacement stemmed from quality concerns identified during routine inspections. The councillor expressed hope for more frequent updates from Metrolinx to keep the community informed, particularly as recent elections may have led the agency to enter "caretaker mode." However, details surrounding the project and the defects remained vague, leaving residents and officials seeking clarity.
In response to inquiries, Metrolinx acknowledged that after installing tracks at the Topflight Drive intersection, it became necessary to undertake rework due to identified quality issues. They emphasized that such scenarios are not uncommon in large infrastructure projects, where quality assessments may result in requirement adjustments. The organization stated, "It is critical we address these issues now, so we can deliver a safe and reliable transit system."
Hart expressed uncertainty regarding the normality of such extensive rework for key structural elements, mentioning the project's unprecedented nature in Mississauga as a challenge for local stakeholders. CityNews's end-of-year assessment indicated that the LRT line's completion, initially projected for 2024, was unlikely to be met, with Metrolinx not providing an alternative opening date.
Progress has been reported in specific areas like the southern terminal at the Port Credit GO station and near Square One Shopping Centre, while additional parts of the line, including areas north of Highway 407, have yet to see track construction begin. This comes alongside the provincial government's commitment to extend the line into downtown Brampton.
Jennifer French, the Ontario NDP’s transportation critic, has called for greater transparency from Metrolinx regarding the project. She criticized the agency for inadequate upfront quality assurance, stating, "There’s an old adage which is measure twice, cut once… Metrolinx needs to be held accountable for communication with the public." French also highlighted previous incidents wherein Metrolinx was less forthcoming about operational agreements, reiterating the public's right to know about the infrastructure issues and their impacts on safety.
On the broader implications of the LRT line, Hart reaffirmed the importance of its successful completion. Addressing how the new transit line would facilitate better connectivity for future development, especially regarding the growth of employment opportunities at Toronto Pearson International Airport, she underscored the necessity of prompt development to meet the rising demands of the workforce as airport expansion plans progress.
"Those employees are not going to be taking cars," Hart pointed out, stressing the imperative for effective transit solutions to accommodate the influx of workers anticipated with the airport expansion.
