Phase 2 of Gardiner Expressway construction set to begin in Toronto

Commuters tired of delays on the Gardiner–particularly during rush hour and busy weekends–might be pleased to hear that the long-term construction project is progressing ahead of schedule. 

Today, the Ontario government announced that the second phase of construction, which has closed lanes on both the east and westbound sides of the expressway, is starting four months earlier than anticipated. 

In a news release, the province credits the progress with the government’s $73 million investment in the project, which was given on the condition that construction work be allowed to proceed 24/7.

“We’re making real progress on our government’s plan to fight gridlock and keep drivers moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, in a statement. 

The province said that with two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner now rehabilitated and reopened, crews will begin demolishing and reconstructing two centre lanes before completing work on the remaining two westbound lanes. 

The full project is expected to be finished one year ahead of schedule.

The initiative also includes revitalizing 700 metres of elevated roadway from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights, and upgrading the traffic management system. According to the province, the construction is expected to save commuters up to 22 minutes per trip. 

A recent study by Geotab ITS found that travel times on the Gardiner Expressway have increased up to 250 per cent in the morning rush hour and 230 per cent in the afternoon rush hour. The Toronto Region Board of Trade says commuters spend an average of 98 hours a year in rush-hour traffic–the highest in North America.