The LRT train is set to start its first road tests in Mississauga.
After years filled with construction, delays, and road issues, a real Hazel Mc Callion Line train is finally gearing up to travel the streets of Mississauga.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced on Friday (Aug. 7) that vehicle testing will commence, signifying a major new phase for the long-awaited $4.6-billion transit project.
“Progress continues on the Hazel Mc Callion Line, with a light rail vehicle set to begin testing on Topflight Drive in Mississauga next week,” Sarkaria stated in a post on X. “This important milestone brings us one step closer to delivering faster, more reliable transit for Peel Region, helping connect people to jobs, housing and opportunities.”
The minister didn’t share further information about the testing, such as how long it will last or exactly how far the train will run.
This development is crucial because testing will occur on the actual LRT (light rail transit) corridor instead of just being limited to the project’s operations, maintenance, and storage facility near Highway 407.
This follows earlier successful tests of a Hazel Mc Callion Line train operating under its own power at that facility this year.
Metrolinx mentioned in June that they had energized the overhead catenary system at the outdoor rail yard, allowing one of their light rail vehicles to run independently for the first time.
The agency managing integrated public transit in southern Ontario, Metrolinx, noted back then that this achievement would lead to future vehicle tests along the line.
Now we’re ready for that next step.
The initial testing site is particularly significant since Topflight Drive and Hurontario Street underwent extensive track adjustments in 2025.
Metrolinx indicated that these track modifications were essential for ensuring safe operations of future light rail vehicles and would enable subsequent vehicle testing later on.
This work involved removing and reconstructing parts of the track at both intersections and along Topflight Drive. It led to months of traffic disruptions affecting local businesses and drivers.
Since then, Metrolinx has confirmed that track rework at Topflight as well as four other key intersections has been completed successfully.
The upcoming tests also coincide with ongoing work on various segments of the 18-kilometre route.
A recent construction update from Metrolinx indicates that efforts between Eglinton Avenue and Topflight Drive include track maintenance, utility relocations, permanent traffic signal installations, and work at LRT stops. This work is expected to continue until Sept. 30.
Additions are also happening throughout other sections along the corridor involving track installation, electrical setups including telecommunications infrastructure, road improvements and energizing traction power substations which will provide electricity for trains.
The Hazel Mc Callion Line will eventually extend over 18 kilometres from Port Credit GO Station in Mississauga all the way to Brampton Gateway Terminal at Steeles Avenue. It will feature 19 stops along with connections to GO Transit services like Mississauga Transitway, Mi Way and Brampton Transit.
The trains themselves are Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles designed specifically for this project to operate using electricity.
This line aims to function within a dedicated right-of-way along Hurontario Street offering higher-capacity transit connections through one of Peel Region’s busiest growing corridors.
However, Friday’s announcement shouldn’t be mistaken for full system testing or an imminent launch of service on this line yet.
The project remains under construction with initial passenger trips not anticipated until 2028.
The Hazel Mc Callion Line was initially scheduled for completion by 2024; however it has faced numerous construction delays alongside disputes involving Mobilinx-the consortium responsible for building as well as operating this line.
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