Work on the final phase of the Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation project has begun months ahead of last year’s accelerated timeline, providing earlier relief for the 140,000 daily commuters who use the downtown Toronto artery.
Crews have started rehabilitating the final northern lanes between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue after successfully completing work on the southern and center lanes, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation announced Friday.
The accelerated progress stems from the provincial government’s $73 million investment to enable 24/7 construction on the project, which is now expected to finish more than 15 months ahead of the original schedule.
“These measures mean that we’re on track to reopen all lanes on the Gardiner Expressway more than 15 months ahead of the original schedule,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
The rehabilitation project involves revitalizing 700 metres of elevated roadway, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights and upgrading the traffic management system.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the importance of the expedited timeline for city residents and businesses.
“The Gardiner is vital to keeping Toronto moving,” said Chow. “Thanks to our collaboration to accelerate this critical rehabilitation work, we are tracking well ahead of schedule, which means less disruption for our residents, visitors and businesses.”
The ongoing construction has significantly impacted travel times, with delays increasing by up to 250 per cent during the rehabilitation work. Commercial vehicles have experienced an 80 per cent increase in travel time on the expressway, according to data from Geotab ITS.
Once complete, the ministry estimates commuters will save up to 22 minutes per trip. Officials calculate that finishing the project at least one year earlier will save Ontario’s economy approximately $273 million by reducing congestion.
The project continues to support approximately 500 construction and supply chain jobs.
The Gardiner rehabilitation is part of broader provincial efforts to address infrastructure needs and reduce traffic congestion. The government previously passed the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which enables accelerated construction on other priority highway projects across Ontario.
According to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Toronto commuters currently face the longest travel times in North America, spending an average of 98 hours annually in rush-hour traffic.
