[Mercury]

The reason why GO hasn't been able to extend frequent service beyond Bramalea is because that section in Brampton is an important CN freight corridor. CN won't sell it unless they get a bypass which is impossible to built now. The only possible way is to build more tracks on that corridor, either elevated or tunneled in narrow sections.

The double-tracked section is barely 1.5km long. Triple tracks both east and west of that. All of it was single-tracked just 16 years ago. Is it really so difficult of a problem to overcome with a little smart scheduling and coordination of the trains?

 

[Allandale25]

^ CN holds all the cards. If they don't want to participate in a "little" smart scheduling it's their call, as has been debated here for years. What may seem "little" is actually a logistical challenge when you think of the length, speed, and acceleration differences between a GO train and a CN freight train.

It's really a moot point now. It appears GO has the funding and is working on the designs to implement a 3rd track. The Province clearly feels it's worth it and the City has (and other municipalities to the west) have been demanding more service.
This is the challenge with the notion of a "little smart scheduling".

 

[ShonTron]

The planned third track through downtown Brampton will be at-grade. Not elevated or tunneled.

Indeed. Planning is well underway. The embankment along the south side of the corridor through Downtown Brampton will become a solid wall, and a new transit hub (currently in the design phase) will replace the downtown transit terminal, providing the space required to get that third track through.

 

[Mercury]

I do wonder where they're going to squeeze it in, then. I guess the north portion of Brampton GO can be moved to accommodate a third track on that side?

Edit: Sorry, didn't read ShonTron's comment...
If it's going on the south side, won't they need to rebuild the south portion of the VIA/GO station, which they just built a few years ago?

 

[crs1026]

If it's going on the south side, won't they need to rebuild the south portion of the VIA/GO station, which they just built a few years ago?

How time flies... the double tracking and added GO platform dates to 2009. That's practically brand new by transit infrastructure standards, but what has been built mostly won't need to be torn out. It will simply be "augmented".

in the scope of what is getting moved around to redevelop Brampton's downtown, the demolition of the transit center and whatever gets done to Railroad St is not unreasonable.

It may not be pretty, but it will work. The sooner the better.

- Paul

 

[Deadpool X]

As a Mississauga resident I’m jealous that the lrt and go train could both service the downtown. I’m sure no one near square one gets excited on the other hand about taking a lrt to cooksville.

Also, the fact that Milton line (which has wider coverage in Mississauga than Lakeshore line) won't get RER services any time soon makes it even worse.

^ Yeah but Brampton is jealous Mississauga has TWO GO lines, one which can easily accommodate 7-day, all-day, two-way service because GO owns it and it's going to be entirely electrified.

3 actually. Kitchener line stops at Malton. If we are negotiating, then let's call it 2.5 lines!

 

[nfitz]

Also, the fact that Milton line (which has wider coverage in Mississauga than Lakeshore line) won't get RER services any time soon makes it even worse.

It won't be as early as the Lakeshore line (which is close already) - but with the feds already having committed funding for the Milton line, it may not be that far behind the other RER lines.

 

[drum118]

Metrolinx’s Hurontario LRT update – work progresses near Port Credit GO

 

[Tim MacDonald]

My update - July 31
:

 

[Tim MacDonald]

July 31 - At the QEW

 

[Mercury]

So the pushbox at Port Credit is on the west side of Hurontario, but the pushbox at the QEW is on the east side?

 

[SaugeenJunction]

So the pushbox at Port Credit is on the west side of Hurontario, but the pushbox at the QEW is on the east side?

Yes. My understanding is that the pushbox at the QEW is for northbound traffic lanes, and the LRT will run in the old underpass where the northbound lanes are today.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Some shots of construction on the LRT-only bridge at 403 and Hurontario:

 

[drum118]

A number of piers are now pour with a few others been worked on for the elevated section. The south side of the 403 has been built up to be the same level of the existing bridge to the east to allow tracks on it.

All the excavated guideway are in various stages of work with some seeing embedded rebar pier supports.

The westside sidewalk is close and being dug up along with the embankment by Mary Fix Creek, Traffic using the new west road to allow work on the creek that is seeing the removal of all trees and bushes. The walkway bridge over the creek is close as it will be remove along with the remaining embankment to allow the building of the new road bridge.

The Port Credit pushbox has a number of issues for being push under the rail corridor with no date as to when it will happen.

 

[drum118]

The area between Matheson and Watline has concrete flower box area on either side of the centre poles foundation pour with dirt in them. The next block to the north is being ready for concrete to be pour. This will stop people trying to cross the tracks mid block.

Noticed a stockpile of precast ties in the storage area at Cooksville area. Must going to be use for the tracks from the maintenance yard to Hurontario.