By rosebell
While the plans for extending the Hazel McCallion Light Rail Transit (LRT) into downtown Brampton and Mississauga has been announced by the Ontario government, they also will built a rapid transit tunnel for the Brampton section of the segment.
Linking the Hazel McCallion Line to downtown Brampton, this underground extension is due to improve ransit access to one of Canada’s growing cities and intends to offer fast, affordable, and reliable transportation for more people.
With almost 4km span, the Hazel McCallion Line Extension to Downtown Brampton is being advanced separately from the main Hazel McCallion Line corridor, which is currently under construction.
Planning and design for Brampton and Mississauga extensions is the next steps and includes an underground tunnel from Brampton Gateway Terminal to downtown Brampton.
As the provincial government agency responsible for leading the project, Metrolinx with the aim of boosting connections to Brampton Innovation District GO Station and align with the City of Brampton’s vision for Main Street and the downtown core, will optimise construction and route alignment.
According to Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria: “As one of the fastest-growing cities in our province, Brampton residents deserve access to world-class transit to meet the needs of a vibrant, thriving community. Last year, we made a promise to pave the way for a new priority transit extension that will shorten the daily commutes of tens of thousands of people in Brampton, and we’re getting it done.”
By providing key connections to GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Züm, and MiWay routes, the Hazel McCallion Line extensions to downtown Brampton and Mississauga will help transit riders save time and decrease gridlock for drivers.
With around C$70bn in investment over the next decade to build and expand public transit and infrastructure, this project forms part of North America’s largest transit expansion.
Although the initial design of the Hazel McCallion LRT,that earlier known as the Hurontario-Main LRT, was for 23km and 26 stops, now it involve 19 stops and 18km.
In response, the City of Brampton also welcomed the Ontario government’s decision to stretch the Hazel McCallion Line. Brampton’s government said the extension project will generate 47,000 new housing units and 17,000 jobs.
“The commitment from Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario to fund the extension of the LRT into our city, including a tunnelled section into downtown, is truly a game changer,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
