Gardiner Expressway will be completely closed this weekend in Toronto

The Gardiner Expressway will be completely closed for 35 hours this weekend.

The highway will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday until 10 a.m. on Sunday for maintenance and repairs, the City of Toronto posted on Facebook.

The repairs are part of the “critical rehabilitation” work on the more than 60-year-old highway, the city announced earlier this year.

The lengthy weekend closure aims to reduce overnight closures in the long run, the city said.

“This one-time, 35-hour closure lets us do the work of over 30 overnight lane closures all at once, which means less hassle for drivers and saves money,” the City of Toronto said in the post.

City officials recommend people consider public transit. For most west-end residents, the GO Train could be a good option.

Drivers will need to use alternative routes such as Lake Shore Boulevard, The Queensway or Bloor Street.

“Plan your route ahead of time (please check your map apps!), allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes or public transit if you can,” the city said on Facebook.

The work will include fixing cracks and potholes, replacing guide rail, removing loose concrete from the underside, fixing signs and lights, clearing catch basins to prevent flooding, and cleaning up debris and graffiti.

For more information, see the City of Toronto website here.