Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway Project Creates Commuter Headaches

A 700-meter stretch of Toronto’s iconic Gardiner Expressway, a vital artery for commuters, has been reduced to two lanes in each direction as part of a significant rehabilitation project. With one westbound lane closed from Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, in addition to an eastbound lane closure implemented last week, commuters are bracing for increased traffic congestion and longer travel times. The rehabilitation project, aimed at addressing the aging infrastructure of the 60-year-old highway, is anticipated to continue until mid-2027.

Residents and commuters in the affected areas have expressed growing concerns over the impact of the lane closures on traffic flow and travel times. Nellie Carol, a Harbourfront resident, voiced her apprehensions, predicting chaos on the roads. Mary Ann Torres, whose commute from Park Lawn Road to Strachan Avenue has already doubled in time, highlighted the strain on public transportation and alternative routes.

Several commuters have reported significant increases in their travel times since the lane closures began. Lauren, a south Etobicoke resident, shared her frustration, noting a doubling in her commute duration to midtown Toronto. The disruption has not only affected major thoroughfares like the Gardiner Expressway but has also impacted alternative routes and made navigation challenging.

The $300-million rehabilitation project aims to replace concrete deck and girders, rehabilitate associated substructures, and install new street lighting along the Gardiner Expressway. Crews will work diligently from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. to expedite the project, with intermittent overnight closures of lanes. The city has assured commuters that a congestion management plan will be implemented to mitigate disruptions during the construction period.

As Toronto embarks on this ambitious rehabilitation project for the Gardiner Expressway, commuters are urged to plan their journeys meticulously, considering potential delays and congestion. While the project aims to enhance the longevity and safety of the highway, the immediate impact on traffic flow underscores the need for efficient congestion management strategies and alternative transportation options.