Toronto Mayor Announces Gardiner Expressway Construction Cut by Half

Construction on the Gardiner Expressway, a critical route for over 140,000 commuters daily, is set to be completed much sooner than previously anticipated. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced that the construction timeline has been reduced from three years to just one and a half years. This adjustment is expected to alleviate traffic congestion that has plagued the expressway during ongoing work.

Mayor Chow highlighted the achievement as a significant milestone, stating, “We want to minimize congestion on the Gardiner and we have cut the construction time by half. Cutting the construction time by half is really a very good achievement. Makes me proud of the partnership we have with the provincial government and the very dedicated crew that are out there working hard to make it happen.”

Investment and Impact on Traffic

In April 2023, the Ontario government revealed that the project was already 15 months ahead of schedule, thanks in part to a substantial investment of $73 million aimed at allowing construction to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This investment signals a commitment to improving infrastructure in the region. Once completed, travel times on the Gardiner Expressway are projected to decrease by approximately 22 minutes per trip.

Currently, the expressway is limited to two lanes in both directions between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue as crews work diligently to demolish and rebuild a segment of the elevated roadway. Mayor Chow did not provide a specific completion date as the city prepares to host matches for the World Cup 2026, adding a layer of urgency to the project.

Future Plans and Operational Details

The construction of the Gardiner Expressway and the adjacent Don Valley Parkway was transferred to the provincial government to help mitigate costs, which are expected to reach billions. This agreement followed Toronto’s decision to cease objections regarding the Ontario Place redevelopment plans. Despite the progress, Mayor Chow noted that some logistical details, such as enforcement on the Gardiner Expressway, are still being finalized as the provincial auditor assesses the final costs.

“There are some minor details that need to be sorted out. I’m sure it’ll be sorted out in a couple of months,” Chow remarked. “But it is a big, complicated thing.”

As the project unfolds, the aim is to not only enhance traffic flow but also to ensure that the infrastructure can support the increased demands associated with the upcoming global event. The commitment from both the city and provincial governments appears to be a pivotal factor in achieving these ambitious timelines, ensuring that commuters can soon expect a smoother journey on one of Toronto’s busiest thoroughfares.