The LRT train is set to start its first road tests in Mississauga.
After years of construction, delays, and disruptions, a real Hazel Mc Callion Line train is finally gearing up to travel on the streets of Mississauga.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced on Friday (Aug. 7) that vehicle testing will kick off, marking a key new phase for the long-overdue $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 said 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 offer further details about the testing process, including its duration or how far the train will go.
This is an important step because the tests are happening along the actual LRT (light rail transit) corridor instead of just at the project’s operations, maintenance, and storage facility near Highway 407.
This follows the successful test of a Hazel Mc Callion Line train running under its own power at the facility earlier this year.
In June, Metrolinx reported that they had energized the outdoor rail yard’s overhead catenary system, allowing one of their light rail vehicles to operate under its own power for the first time.
The agency responsible for public transit in southern Ontario, Metrolinx stated back then that this milestone would lead to future vehicle testing on the line.
Now that next step is about to take place.
The initial testing location is particularly significant because Topflight Drive and Hurontario Street underwent extensive track rework in 2025.
Metrolinx mentioned that this track work was essential for ensuring safe operation of future light rail vehicles and would enable vehicle testing later on.
This work involved digging up and rebuilding parts of the track at both intersections and along Topflight Drive, which caused months of traffic restrictions and disruption for nearby businesses and drivers.
According to Metrolinx’s updates since then, track rework at Topflight as well as four other key intersections has been completed successfully.
The upcoming tests coincide with crews still working on other sections of the 18-kilometre route.
A recent update from Metrolinx indicates that ongoing work between Eglinton Avenue and Topflight Drive includes track maintenance, utility relocations, permanent traffic signal installation and improvements at LRT stops. This work is expected to continue through Sept. 30.
Crews are also busy elsewhere along the corridor with tasks like installing tracks, electrical systems infrastructure upgrades, road work and energizing traction power substations needed for supplying electricity to trains.
The Hazel Mc Callion Line will ultimately stretch 18 kilometres from Port Credit GO station in Mississauga all the way to Brampton Gateway Terminal at Steeles Avenue. It will feature 19 stops while connecting with GO Transit services as well as Mississauga Transitway services like Mi Way and Brampton Transit.
The trains themselves are Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles specifically built for this project designed to run using electricity.
This line aims to operate within a dedicated right-of-way along Hurontario Street providing improved transit connections through one of Peel Region’s busiest corridors that’s growing rapidly.
However, Friday’s announcement shouldn’t be mistaken as starting full system testing or indicating an imminent opening date for the line itself.
The project remains under construction with passenger trips not anticipated until 2028.
The Hazel Mc Callion Line was initially slated for completion by 2024 but has faced numerous construction delays along with disputes involving Mobilinx-responsible for building and operating it all together.
Metrolinx has indicated expectations that construction will wrap up early in 2028 while extensive systems testing plus demonstration services still need doing before passengers can board any trains.
That distinction matters greatly.
Testing an LRT vehicle over finished sections counts only among many steps required prior safely transporting passengers; ultimately requiring thorough systems integration followed by simulation service completion before actual revenue operations commence.
Still seeing a Hazel Mc Callion Line train moving down Hurontario represents something residents have eagerly awaited.
Construction commenced back during 2020.
Starting next week motorists plus pedestrians surrounding Topflight Drive will finally witness these trains rolling along this corridor meant especially designed just-for-them.
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