The Gardiner Expressway in Toronto has been facing severe congestion due to years-long lane closures for road repairs. Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, has suggested that around-the-clock construction could significantly reduce the time frame for the repairs. Parts of the Gardiner, between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, have been reduced to one lane in each direction for “critical rehabilitation work” for the past three years. The Ford government and the City of Toronto are currently jointly responsible for the road, with ownership set to transfer from the city to the province by the end of 2023.
While the rehabilitation work is currently managed by the City of Toronto, Minister Sarkaria is open to exploring the possibility of 24-hour construction on the Gardiner Expressway to expedite the process. Jennifer Graham Harkness, Toronto’s executive director of engineering and construction services, mentioned that the city’s current schedule allows work to take place between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday to Saturday. However, there is potential for work to be done quietly at night and on Sundays, including activities such as girder removal, traffic barrier shifting, and material delivery. The project is part of a broader rehabilitation plan for the aged expressway, with the first section between Jarvis and Cherry streets completed in 2021.
The current phase of work involves replacing 700 meters of elevated bridge surface, rehabilitating structures supporting the elevated portion of the expressway, and installing a new traffic management system and streetlights. This has resulted in significant delays for drivers using the Gardiner Expressway, particularly from west of Liberty Village. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his interest in working with the city to address traffic congestion on the route. Minister Sarkaria emphasized the government’s willingness to collaborate with the city to expedite the construction process and resolve the delays. However, Harkness noted that while some work is already taking place overnight, it is essential to consider the practicality and effectiveness of implementing full 24-hour construction.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office stated that some work is already being done overnight on the Gardiner Expressway. While there is interest in accelerating the construction process, there are considerations about the feasibility and impact of full 24-hour construction. Mayor Chow’s spokesperson did not confirm the mayor’s stance on this matter. The ongoing construction on the Gardiner Expressway highlights the challenges of balancing the need for infrastructure repairs with minimizing disruptions to residents and commuters. The joint responsibility between the city and the province, along with the potential for continuous construction, reflects the ongoing efforts to address the congestion and delays on this vital transportation route in Toronto.
