Metrolinx has officially completed nine of the 19 station platforms on the Hazel McCallion LRT line, as residents continue to wait for an opening date on the long-delayed project.
The 19-stop LRT line will run 18 kilometers along Hurontario Street from Port Credit Station in Mississauga to Brampton Gateway Station in Brampton.
Construction began in 2020, with an original opening planned for 2024. However, work continues, with nine of 19 station platforms now complete, according to Metrolinx.
“Track work has finished at 34 of 55 intersections along the corridor, with platforms at nine of 19 stops now constructed,” Metrolinx said in a statement to Now Toronto.
Metrolinx says construction of the elevated guideway over Highway 403 is “progressing well,” with all girders now installed.
“With foundational elements in place, our contractor, Mobilinx, is focused on completing the bridge deck superstructure, which will support the installation of tracks and signaling for the LRT,” the statement added.
Despite being a year behind schedule, the transit agency did not provide an estimated opening date.
“Once construction nears completion and we move into the testing and commissioning phase, we will be in a better position to provide an approximate opening date,” the statement said.
The line is the latest rapid transit project to fall behind schedule, following the Finch West LRT and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto.
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CONSTRUCTION IMPACTING BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS
Ward 5 councillor Natalie Hart told Now Toronto that the delayed line has become increasingly difficult for residents and businesses in her ward.
“At one hotel in my ward, they’ve lost over 50 per cent of their revenue. That doesn’t just affect business, it affects jobs in our community,” she said.
Hart said commuters are also feeling the construction’s impact due to increased congestion.
“It can delay their commute, particularly if they use transit themselves, as we have to move and adjust the transit stops along the Hurontario line,” she said.
Another pressing concern is the hoarding and maintenance of construction sites, which she says looks noticeably different from rapid transit sites in Toronto.
“That has a business impact as well as an impact on residents because we are dealing with a much less organized and well-maintained construction zone,” she said.
Hart added that neither she nor council have been given an estimated opening date by Metrolinx or Mobilinx.
“We’ve asked them to come to council to address this issue, and we’re hopeful we’ll get some answers, but we haven’t received any updated information yet, which is very frustrating,” she said.
