This weekend, the Gardiner Expressway will be completely closed as traffic congestion plagues Toronto.
In a post on its Facebook page, the City of Toronto said the Gardiner Expressway – the main east-west route into the city – will be closed from 11pm on September 20 to 10am on September 22 for “important maintenance and repairs.” ”
“This one-time 35-hour closure will allow us to complete the work of more than 30 overnight lanes in one go, meaning less hassle for drivers and saving money,” the report said.
“To assist traffic on alternate routes, the city will deploy traffic officers and adjust traffic signals in real time.”
Complete closures required for ‘significant’ work
On its website, the city says that when a “significant number” of miles of paving and paving is needed, a full weekend closure is planned.”
This coming weekend, the city said construction crews will resurface lanes, repair cracks and potholes, replace guide rail and remove all loose concrete from the underside of the highway.
“They will also inspect and repair signs and lights, clean catch basins to prevent flooding, and clean up debris and graffiti,” the report said.
“Repairs will also be made to the Dufferin Street Bridge.”
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York’s ramp is also closed, but will reopen at 5am on September 23.
The Gardiner Expressway is already undergoing a major renovation; Since this spring, the lane between Strachan and Dufferin Avenue has been shortened by one lane in each direction.
The current phase of works includes the complete demolition of that stretch and the reconstruction of 700 meters of elevated roadway, as well as rehabilitating the supporting structures and adding a new traffic management system and street lighting.
The rehabilitation project has led to a dramatic spike in rush hour delays and emissions, a recent analysis found. The closures of the more than 60-year-old highway were originally expected to be in place for the next three years, only to be temporarily lifted in 2026 due to the World Cup.
However, the work could be completed a year early after the Ontario government announced it would secure $73 million provided the work could continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A city spokesperson told Global News on Tuesday that construction hours have increased since early August to a minimum of 20 hours per day, six days per week, with a seventh day if necessary.
“The plan is designed to minimize noise pollution for residents. Quieter activities are planned at night, while heavier work, such as demolition work, will typically take place between 7am and 11pm,” they said.
“Noise monitors have been installed in residential areas and are continuously monitored to help determine when specific construction activities can take place. At this stage of the project, overnight work includes pouring concrete for deck and girder installation.”
Ford plans ‘game-changing’ ideas to tackle the impasse
While the work is underway, Ontario Premier Doug Ford plans to focus on the gridlock in Toronto in a raft of upcoming legislation that promises to be “game-changing” for motorists.
Speaking before the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the premier said he planned to make major changes to two specific routes, the Gardiner Expressway and Highway 401.
“We still have some great ideas, some really groundbreaking things that we’re going to do in the transportation industry,” Ford said.
He also told Global News that the plans were specifically aimed at addressing traffic congestion on Highway 401 and the Gardiner.
It is not yet clear what the government plans to do in the future to reduce congestion on Highway 401 and the Gardiner Expressway.
— with files from Colin D’Mello and Isaac Callan
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
