Construction on the Gardiner Expressway may be completed a year ahead of schedule, thanks to additional funding from the Ontario government aimed at reducing severe traffic congestion in Toronto.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced on Wednesday that the province will provide $73 million to Toronto, contingent on allowing construction to proceed 24/7 with multiple shifts daily.
This accelerated timeline aims to move the completion date from April 2027 to “at least” April 2026. The current phase of work includes the full demolition and rebuilding of a 700-metre stretch between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Avenue, along with the rehabilitation of supporting structures and the addition of a new traffic management system and streetlights.
The increased funding will also facilitate modifications to the Jameson to westbound Gardiner on-ramp, the opening of a left-turn lane at Spadina Avenue from Lake Shore Boulevard West, and the relaxation of noise restrictions and overnight lane closures.
Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the collaboration with the provincial government to expedite the project and alleviate downtown Toronto’s traffic woes. The ongoing construction has caused a significant increase in rush hour delays, with morning travel times up by 250% and afternoon commutes by 230%, according to Geotab ITS data.
Initially, the expressway’s closures were set to last three years, with a temporary lift planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Discover more from Weekly Voice
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
