Introduction

The City of Toronto has officially announced that vital construction work on the Gardiner Expressway will kick off in spring 2025. This project is focused on five crucial bridges along Section 3 of the expressway, which extends from Highway 427 to the Humber River.

Project Background

Originally scheduled for rehabilitation between 2027 and 2031, the repairs were hastened after recent condition assessments revealed urgent issues that could not wait until the proposed timeline. This proactive approach aims to ensure safety and structural integrity ahead of potentially worsening conditions.

Funding Sources

Funding for the project comes from both provincial and municipal sources. The province has agreed to finance the replacements of overpasses at Park Lawn Road and Mimico Creek, as well as the westbound on-ramp from Park Lawn Road over Mimico Creek. Meanwhile, the City of Toronto will be responsible for funding repairs on the Kipling Avenue and Islington Avenue bridges that span the Gardiner.

Construction Timeline

Plans are already in motion, with contract advertisements for the bridge repairs set to be released in early January, enabling construction to begin as intended in the spring. However, construction will come to a temporary halt from May to July 2026 to manage the anticipated surge in traffic during the FIFA World Cup, an event projected to draw large crowds and intensify road usage.

Traffic Impact

The entire construction project is expected to wrap up by December 2026, but that will come with some traffic inconveniences. For a span of one year, the westbound Gardiner from Park Lawn Road to Mimico Creek will see its lane count reduced from four to three. Additionally, Park Lawn Road will experience single-lane traffic for two months in each direction where it passes beneath the expressway.

Additional Lane Reductions

Furthermore, drivers on Kipling and Islington Avenues will notice their lanes reduced from six to four for about eight months. Exceptional circumstances will also arise with a full closure of the Park Lawn Road on-ramp to the westbound Gardiner from November 2025 to April 2026 as the city prepares for the increased traffic demands.

Conclusion

Stay informed! This infrastructure project is vital for the future of Toronto’s transportation system. Mark your calendars for these crucial updates and prepare for some traffic challenges ahead! Your patience during this essential repair work is greatly appreciated!