Crews on Mississauga, Brampton Hurontario light rail transit system threatened by angry motorists
Published December 7, 2021 at 10:35 am
Crews working on the massive Hurontario light rail transit (LRT) system in Mississauga and Brampton have been targeted in a recent string of road rage incidents that has prompted a call to police to keep the situation from escalating.
Metrolinx, the agency that manages public transit projects across the Golden Horseshoe, said in a news release that the incidents of frustrated drivers harassing workers will not be tolerated.
“Recent situations have occurred on construction sites along the Hurontario LRT route in Mississauga and Brampton where drivers have threatened construction workers,” Metrolinx officials said, adding they know “construction can be frustrating, but there’s no excuse for verbally or physically harassing anyone simply trying to do their job.”
Metrolinx says the project’s constructor, Mobilinx, has reached out to Peel Regional Police in an effort to “keep staff and the public safe at work sites.”
Officials say fines and other penalties will be doled out to anyone caught engaging in unsafe or illegal behaviour.
“Metrolinx and Mobilinx…have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or violence of any kind, and work tirelessly to ensure workers have a safe work environment,” Metrolinx said.
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Ongoing work on the 18-kilometre LRT route, which when completed in fall 2024 will move passengers from Port Credit GO station in the south to Brampton, with 19 stops along the way, has caused traffic delays and other minor disruptions for area residents and motorists.
In the wake of the recent road rage incidents, Metrolinx also reminds drivers to take their time when travelling through construction zones, and to be patient.
Mobilinx has also released a safety video in hopes of calming the situation.
“No matter the industry, employees should always feel safe at their workplace. Like you, crews have families and friends that care about them and it’s important that they get home safely after each shift,” said Stewart Day, Mobilinx health and safety director. “Safety is a shared responsibility by us all, and it takes a community approach to keep crews, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe.”
Officials urge anyone who witnesses any type of harassment of construction crews to report the incidents to police.
When completed, the Hurontario LRT will offer a dedicated right-of-way running from south Mississauga to Brampton Gateway Terminal. It will link to GO stations at Port Credit and Cooksville, the Mississauga Transitway, Square One GO Bus Terminal, Brampton Gateway Terminal, and key MiWay and Brampton Transit routes.
The initiative is part of Metrolinx’s long-term vision for an integrated, sustainable transit network connecting the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas.
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