Metrolinx is beginning to install the first tracks for the future Hazel McCallion light-rail transit (LRT) line.
This milestone marks a step forward for the 18-kilometer (11.2 mile) rapid transit being built along Hurontario Street in Peel Region. The first tracks are going in at the project’s nerve center, the operations, maintenance and storage facility (OMSF). The OMSF will be the hub of the new transit line, featuring a repair shop, vehicle cleaning facility, material storage and capacity for 42 Alstom light-rail vehicles.
In November, the first set of rails were delivered to OMSF for the Hurontario light-rail project.
According to the teams building the line, progress is taking place and it feels good.
“Rapid, reliable and environmentally friendly light-rail transit is that much closer to being realized from Mississauga to Brampton and all the connections in between,” said Mobilinx Superintendent Devin McAndrew. “Track installations are starting at OMSF with crews moving out to Hurontario, then north to Steeles, and south to Port Credit and all the way up the line.”
The first stages of the guideway construction are set to take place from OMSF, to Edwards Boulevard, on Topflight Drive and along Hurontario Street and just south of Highway 401 from Matheson Boulevard to Britannia Road from south to north.
In total, the project will have:
- 55,000 monoblock and twin block ties;
- 13,000 metric tons of rail ballast; and
- More than 47,000-square meters of guideway concrete to be poured.
“Fast forward a few more stages of track construction and this will eventually culminate in substantial completion throughout the corridor,” said Afzal Memon, Metrolinx senior project manager of rapid transit.