Since 1955, over 60 years, the Gardiner Expressway has been a major transportation artery in
our city - a vital thoroughfare for commuters, businesses and the travelling public. This
highway has been an integral part of our transportation network, critical to supporting the growth
of our economy and a multitude of industries operating globally.
However, as the structure ages, the bond between the surface layer of concrete and its reinforcing
steel breaks down. As a result, incidents of loose concrete falling from the structure
have increased in recent years. And it's important to know that while the city is addressing
this issue with proactive measures such as chipping loose concrete and regular inspections,
the expressway is structurally sound.
Well, my biggest concern is the fact that infrastructure does need to be replaced over time and
previous governments perhaps have not invested adequately to ensure that we had the money in place to
pay for ongoing maintenance and infrastructure renewal.
I guess the congestion would be the first concern, right? People driving to downtown
daily, the traffic is going to be a nightmare - so- and the second it would be the cost,
right? And also depend on how long the right? And also depend on how long the right?And also depend on how long the project drags. .
It's a bit of an eyesore, but it could do with a wonderful restructuring like the rest
or the city and bring it up to a world standard.
I think it needs to be done if the city is going to continue to grow.
I want to know some of the specifics and make sure that it's a wise investment and what
they're going to do in advance.
Perhaps instead of renovating what's currently there, maybe they can implement a new system
that would make it faster and more efficient for people to get in and out of the city.
Despite the consequences of weather and the intense pressures exerted on the roadway,
the Gardiner Expressway has continued to function effectively and safely for more than 60 years.
The Gardiner Expressway is travelled by thousands of vehicles on a daily basis. This coupled
with the significant growth of our city has contributed to substantial wear of the elevated
portion of the Expressway, resulting in a need for responsible improvements and rehabilitation
In an effort to revitalize this conduit to the heart of our Metropolis; the City of Toronto
has begun some key projects to rehabilitate the Gardiner Expressway.
The rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway is a major, expensive and long-term project,
stretching 15 years. There will be lane restrictions and delays at times. The City will make every
efforts to minimize these disruptions including keeping two lanes of traffic moving in each
direction during construction periods.
Starting from the Western most part of the elevated expressway and travelling Eastward,
the first project will introduce 3 sequential work zones to help ease the flow of traffic
and minimize disruption during your commute.
During this process two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction and the median
barrier wall will be removed.
In stage 1 - East bound traffic will shift to the two new South lanes, and a construction
work zone will be established in the middle to replace the deck in the mid third of the
structure.
During stage 2 - westbound traffic will be shifted southerly to the two lanes on the newly constructed deck
and a construction work zone will
be setup in the two North lanes to replace the deck on the North third of the structure.
In stage 3, both eastbound and westbound traffic will shift to the north and a construction work zone will be
set-up in the two South lanes to replace the deck on the South third of the structure.
Following this stage, traffic will be reinstated to three lanes in each direction.
The remaining Eastern most part of the Gardiner is currently undergoing an
environmental assessment. The future of this section of the roadway will be determined
when the environmental assessment is completed. However urgent repair work and inspections
of this portion will be continued during the assessment period.
This expressway is a major component of the City's transportation network. In excess
of 160,000 vehicles use the Gardiner on a daily basis.
We are proud of our City and the foundation that has resulted from both the flourishing
Business and Community. We are working diligently to ensure that this transportation
route continues to support our economic growth and commuting safety well into the future!