The Gardiner Expressway’s Reopening Delayed Until November
The anticipated reopening of the Gardiner Expressway section between Dufferin and Strachan has been postponed until November 10, as confirmed by the Transportation Minister. This delay, originally scheduled for October 27, has been attributed to the Toronto Blue Jays World Series games causing a shift in construction timelines.
In a surprising turn of events, the City of Toronto announced last month that the construction project, initially planned to conclude in April 2027, is now six months ahead of schedule. This acceleration was made possible by the Ford government’s investment of $73 million to expedite the process, allowing for continuous work around the clock.
The construction project involves replacing a 700-metre portion of the concrete deck and girders, as well as other necessary repairs along the Dufferin Street to Strachan corridor, which commenced in March 2024. Mayor Olivia Chow revealed in August that construction timelines have been cut in half, showcasing significant progress.
The Gardiner Expressway serves as a vital route for commuters, accommodating over 100,000 vehicles daily. A recent study in June 2024 highlighted a substantial increase in travel times during rush hours, with morning and afternoon commutes experiencing up to 250% and 230% longer durations respectively.
While construction advances, works on a segment in the west end of the city are ongoing, leading to a reduction from four lanes to three. The westbound lane closure extends from Park Lawn Road to Grand Avenue in southern Etobicoke, with the eastbound lanes in the same vicinity to be narrowed but without lane reductions from April 2025 to December 2026.