Toronto area’s “missing link” rail bypass proposal moves forward
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
A study regarding a freight bypass rail line between the Canadian Pacific Line (Milton GO Rail corridor) west of Trafalgar Road in Milton and the Canadian National bypass Line at Bramalea has been endorsed by the Mississauga City Council.
This concept is one option to permit for two-way, all-day GO service between Union Station and Kitchener via Malton on the Kitchener GO line, as well as expansion of GO Train service to Cambridge.
“This project has far reaching benefits at local, national and international levels,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This bypass is making a regionally integrated rapid transit network between Toronto and the Waterloo Region and would greatly benefit Mississauga. Fast, efficient passenger rail service has been a priority for many years. Improving transit connections leads to better quality of life, economic benefits, reduced gridlock and less impact on the environment.”
“It is wonderful to see this bypass moving forward as we have been advocating for it for many years. It will provide more reliable service for commuters and have significant economic benefits,” said Ward 9 Councilor Pat Saito.
The study looked at the feasibility and business case of a new rail line to separate freight from passenger services and to connect the Milton GO line, west of Trafalgar Road in Milton to the CN Bramalea bypass line in Brampton, beside Highway 407. This new line would take heavy freight rail away from the Milton and Kitchener GO lines making these lines available for commuter rail.
Crombie added, “The study helped us strategically look at how our rail lines will be used. The bypass is supported through our planning studies. Expanded GO service on the Milton line is a priority for Mississauga, with six of the eight Milton GO line stations (Dixie, Cooksville, Erindale, Streetsville, Meadowvale and Lisgar) located within our city. Cooksville Station as part of the Milton GO line, will connect to the Hurontario-Main Light Rail Transit project. A dedicated freight bypass rail line would mean all day two way passenger service on the Milton and Kitchener GO lines that meets our regional transit service needs and supports economic development.”
Once approved, the study will be forwarded to provincial and federal governments for consideration. It will also be shared with Metrolinx, CN and CP and the municipalities sponsoring the study.
