Metrolinx documents Hurontario line construction progress
Metrolinx has provided some insight into the work completed on the Hurontario light rai transit line last year, and is looking ahead to what’s in store for the project in 2022.
The transit authority called 2021 a great year for the project, as construction on the 18-kilometre line achieved several major milestones. It also promises that 2022 will be even more significant.
One of the more complex elements of the work includes constructing the underground Port Credit Station. That component of the project saw significant progress last year, Metrolinx reports.
P3 constructor Mobilinx started major excavation on the eastern end of the station parking lot to prep for construction of the tunnel under the GO rail tracks and the station itself. The team removed 36,000 cubic metres of earth from the site—the equivalent of more than 14 Olympic swimming pools of dirt.
Crews also started work on the Port Credit push box – the elaborate tunneling system required to tunnel under the existing GO tracks with minimal disruption to rail service.
After digging the hole, pouring concrete slabs, constructing a thrust block, the next step is to push the system through and lay the tracks. The actual push will occur in early 2022.
Once the box is in place, construction of the station is set to begin.
Meanwhile, work continues on other areas of the project, including on the century-old Mary Fix Creek. The creek plays an important role in Mississauga’s water infrastructure, and is a habitat for local plants and animals. The Mobilinx team will upgrade the landscaping near the cree to preserve and protect the area.
This year, the team will replace the channel in the area with an engineered structure that is wider and taller to reduce the potential for flooding.
Work on the light rail line’s Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facility is nearly complete. The facility will be the new transit line’s hub, featuring a repair shop, vehicle cleaning facility, material storage, and capacity to store 42 light rail vehicles.
Rail tracks will be installed in the yard later this year.
Other plans for construction in 2022 include the construction of a second push box located at Hurontario Street and the QEW. The work will enable construction of a new northbound underpass to enable light rail vehicles to travel under the QEW highway once the line is operational.
Construction of the Highway 403 flyover is also set to begin. The work sees the construction of a bridge or overpass that separates the light rail line from regular vehicular and bus traffic on one of the busiest interchanges in Mississauga.
The flyover will also provide transit riders the ability to access bus connections on Rathburn Road.
Crews will also begin laying the first set of tracks for the line in Mississauga North in early 2022.
Featured image: Crews working on the Port Credit push box. (Metrolinx photo)