Halton Region has selected HDR to deliver engineering services for planned improvements to the Steeles Avenue corridor in Milton.

The project includes multiple complexities in a 1.5-kilometre corridor, including two road-under-rail grade separations, a new rail-over-water bridge and two road-over-water bridges.

A new greenfield alignment will facilitate a wider four-lane road and will be adjacent to an environmentally sensitive UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, requiring careful management to limit adverse impacts during and after construction. The expanded road will also cross a large floodplain that will require careful mitigation.

HDR’s role on the project starts with preliminary design and continues through detailed and final design, tender preparation, construction management and post-construction services.

It says the complex grade separations will be a key task, requiring a unique mix of municipal engineering and Class I railroad design experience.

“The Steeles Avenue improvements highlight our staff’s ability to deliver grade separations of all configurations,” said project manager Cristian Huma. “We have experience in design and construction of over 20 complex grade separations throughout Canada, and the region will benefit from our depth of experience, unmatched resources, and technical expertise.

Milton is among the fastest-growing communities in Ontario and one of the country's top growth centres.