There’s finally some good news for Toronto commuters who take the Gardiner daily!
Originally slated to last 3 years when the Gardiner Expressway Strategic Rehabilitation Plan began its first phase back in March of 2024, Mayor Olivia Chow announced yesterday that the project is far ahead of schedule.
In a video posted to her social media, Chow revealed that the construction time has been “cut by half from three years to 1.5 years“, thanks to the hardworking dedicated crews and partnership with the Ontario provincial government.
A $73 million provincial investment made in July 2024 also helped accelerate the construction timelines.
As part of the work, one lane in each direction between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street has been closed while crews tackle repairs on the 60-year-old highway. The closures were deemed necessary due to the combined effects of the expressway’s age, heavy traffic, harsh weather, and road salt, all of which have taken a toll on the infrastructure over the decades.
6.5 kilometres of the expressway are concurrently being rehabilitated from Highway 427 to the Humber River.
The full rehabilitation project’s initial completion was targeted for 2027. Now, that target has been moved up to April 2026, which is just in time for Toronto to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup.