TORONTO —The Ontario government is marking the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. The early milestone is the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work may 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. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re not only getting it done on the Gardiner Expressway, we’re also bringing common sense changes to bike lanes through new legislation and speeding up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge, to help get drivers across the province out of gridlock.”
With two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner Expressway now rehabilitated and reopened, crews will begin the demolition and reconstruction of 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 and 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.
Once construction is complete, the 140,000 drivers who rely on the Gardiner every day will save up to 22 minutes per trip. Accelerating construction is expected to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by getting drivers and goods out of gridlock earlier than originally planned.
Quick Facts
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.
In November 2023, the Ontario government and the City of Toronto reached a New Deal to help ensure Toronto’s long-term financial stability, including up to $1.2 billion in provincial operating supports over three years and significant capital relief, including uploading the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway to the province, subject to third-party due diligence.
Toronto commuters face the longest travel times in North America, spending an average of 98 hours each year in rush-hour traffic, according to the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
If passed, the Building Highways Faster Act would designate Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and Garden City Skyway bridge as priority projects to speed up construction and help get these highways built faster.
Quotes
"This accelerated progress on the Gardiner Expressway is a huge relief for Toronto’s commuters. By investing in 24/7 construction, it allows Ontario to build highways faster to break the gridlock that is a frustration in our daily lives. This project means more time at home, less time in traffic and a smoother, more reliable journey for everyone who relies on this vital route."
- Christine Hogarth
MPP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore
"The Ontario government's proactive investment to accelerate the reconstruction of the Gardiner Expressway has been a decisive step towards keeping Toronto moving. A faster, more efficient construction timeline reduces long-term disruptions, addressing mounting congestion and gridlock bottlenecks. It ensures that this vital transportation artery can better serve daily commuters and local businesses, as well as the region’s economic vitality."
- Raly Chakarova
Executive Director, Toronto and Area Road Builders Association
"Today's milestone on the Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and strategic investment. The Ontario Road Builders Association commends the Ontario government for its commitment to infrastructure renewal and we are proud to see this project moving forward ahead of schedule. The government’s willingness to invest $73 million and allow 24/7 work has been crucial to this success, showcasing the power of streamlined processes and innovative approaches in enhancing Ontario’s transportation network."
- Steven Crombie
Senior Director Public Affairs, Ontario Road Builders Association
"RCCAO joins the provincial and municipal governments in celebrating this milestone. The success realized thanks to focused resources and evolving construction practices, demonstrates the opportunities and benefits of innovative practices like 24/7 construction on major critical infrastructure projects. Improved collaboration and structured incentives between governments and industry can make a tangible improvement in accelerating infrastructure improvements and reducing gridlock across the region."
- Nadia Todorova
Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
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