Gardiner Expressway Construction: What Residents Need to Know

The Gardiner Expressway in downtown Toronto is undergoing a major $300-million renovation, involving the demolition and rebuilding of a 700-meter stretch between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. This project, crucial for updating the 60-year-old highway, is part of a broader multi-billion dollar effort to preserve the roadway.

In a bid to expedite the construction and ensure its completion by April 2026—well before Toronto hosts the FIFA World Cup—the province has announced a $73 million investment. This funding will enable the work to continue around the clock, with construction expected to be non-stop by early August. Previously, work was limited to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this extension aims to fast-track the project by at least a year.

The increased construction activity will inevitably lead to more noise and traffic disruptions. Residents in nearby areas, particularly in Liberty Village, have already reported severe congestion and noise complaints since work began in March. The reduced lane capacity—down to two lanes in each direction—has doubled travel times during rush hour, adding around 45 minutes to daily commutes, as noted by Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.

To address these issues, some of the provincial funding will be used to mitigate traffic flow problems. Planned improvements include extending the westbound on-ramp at Jameson Avenue and potentially reducing lane closures overnight. Additionally, a new left turn onto Spadina Avenue from Lakeshore Boulevard will provide an alternative route for eastbound traffic.

For those living in nearby condos, particularly overlooking the construction site, the shift to 24-hour work raises concerns about increased nighttime noise. While noisier tasks like demolition will be restricted from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and real-time noise monitoring will be in place, residents like Trevor Duwyn worry about sleep disruption.

The city is actively working to balance construction efficiency with resident comfort, aiming to minimize disturbances while advancing this critical infrastructure project.

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