Appropriate mitigation measures have been recommended/developed based on the potential effects identified during previously completed and ongoing studies. All mitigation measures will be documented in the Design and Construction Reports.
We understand that the current vibration issues are due mainly to the age of the bridge deck and the joints.
A preliminary assessment determined that the replacement of the expansion joints would not only improve the condition of the bridge deck but would also alleviate some noise and vibration impacts. Replacement of the existing expansion joints was implemented as part of the Holding Strategy project, completed in 2013.
Additionally, the number of expansion joints on the existing QEW Credit River will be reduced as part of the bridge replacement. This will assist in reducing the noise and vibration associated with the bridge.
The bridge is listed on the Ontario Heritage Bridge List and is considered provincially significant. The bridge structure is now a landmark and is an integral part of the Credit River Valley cultural heritage landscape.
The bridge will be rehabilitated in order to preserve the arch structures. The design of both the rehabilitated bridge and the new north twinned bridge incorporate the ER steel light standards.
Median mounted conventional lights will be installed west of the Mississauga Road interchange, and both east and west of the Credit River. These lights are shorter than HML poles and direct light onto the highway.
High mast light poles will only be installed within the Mississauga Road interchange.
A Class Environmental Assessment (EA) is a decision-making framework under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act that applies to a range of similar, or class of, projects. A Class EA is used when potential environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation techniques are predictable and/or similar to other projects within that same class. MTO’s “Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities” document was developed in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, and it defines and documents the process to be followed when conducting the EA study as well as requirements for public participation.
The Class EA process for this study was completed by MTO in 2013. The Project Consortium selected to Design, Build and Finance the project will complete the Detail Design phase and build upon the work completed during the EA and completes the necessary steps to prepare the project for construction.
Yes. In 2013, MTO completed a study that followed the process for a Group ‘B’ project under the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) and identified a strategy to accommodate transportation improvements for the QEW from west of Mississauga Road to west of Hurontario Street. The Class EA study was documented in a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR 2013).
MTO carried out additional consultation for the project in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, the province chose to implement this project through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) delivery model. Under this model, Detail Design and construction can occur simultaneously as components of the Project advance, and environmental clearances are issued. In 2020, MTO prepared Design and Construction Report #1 (DCR #1) under the Class EA and to document site preparation work and installation of environmental protection measures that has taken place this Summer and Fall. This report also documents a five-year review of the TESR 2013 completed in accordance with the requirements of the Class EA.
The QEW/Credit River Improvement Project continues to follow the approved planning process for a Group ‘B’ project under the Class EA with the opportunity for public input throughout.
Additional information on the Environmental Assessment process can be found here.
An Environmental Management System (EMS) has been developed to establish processes to comply with the environmental requirements of the ISO 14001:2015 Standard. The purpose of the EMS is to provide EDCO with a framework and systematic approach to protect the environment, improve environmental performance, and illustrate continuing environmental compliance in balance with the socio-economic needs during the course of the Project.
A Design and Construction Report (DCR) is the Environmental Assessment (EA) document prepared for a Group ‘B’ project under the MTO Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000).
DCRs document the EA process, design and implementation details, environmental impacts and mitigation measures, and a summary of consultation undertaken.
Following the completion of the DCR, and subject to obtaining required permits, approvals, and authorizations, Environmental Clearance will be issued to allow for construction of the works covered in the DCR. Everyone on the Project Contact List will be contacted when a DCR is made available for review and comment. Click here to sign up to our Contact List and received notification of all DCRs.