As claustrophobic congestion on Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway worsens with years-long lane closures to accommodate road repairs, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation is suggesting around-the-clock construction could dramatically shorten the time frame.
Parts of the Gardiner, between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, have been reduced by one lane in each direction for “critical rehabilitation work” for three years.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria indicated a willingness to accelerate construction on Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway, suggesting that around-the-clock development could significantly shorten the project timeline. He stated that he was open to using any means necessary to expedite the work, including allowing construction to continue overnight. Sarkaria emphasized the importance of collaboration between the provincial government and the City of Toronto in implementing measures to speed up the project.
The section of the Gardiner Expressway between Dufferin Road and Strachan Road has experienced lane reductions for critical restoration work over the past three years. While acknowledging the project as primarily a city initiative, Sarkaria urged Toronto to consider extending construction hours.
Toronto’s Director of Engineering and Construction Services, Jennifer Graham Harkness, explained that the city’s current schedule involves construction between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday to Saturday. She mentioned the possibility of conducting quieter work at night and on Sundays, aiming to balance the need for speedy completion with consideration for nearby residents.
The ongoing project is part of a broader renovation plan for the aging expressway, with the current phase involving the replacement of 700 meters of elevated bridge surface, structural repairs, and the installation of new traffic management systems and streetlights.
Both Premier Doug Ford and Minister Sarkaria expressed a commitment to collaborating with the city to address traffic issues caused by the construction. Sarkaria reiterated the government’s readiness to utilize all available resources to expedite the project.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office noted that some nighttime construction is already taking place along the Gardiner Expressway. While the mayor did not explicitly endorse full 24-hour construction, she expressed support for accelerating the work as long as it minimally inconveniences residents.
Chow emphasized a willingness to explore options for speeding up the project, expressing gratitude for the provincial government’s assistance in funding the construction. She highlighted the importance of partnership between the city and the province in achieving their shared goals.
