The Ontario government is accelerating construction on the Gardiner Expressway by providing up to $73 million to the City of Toronto. This funding is contingent on allowing work to proceed on a 24/7 basis, potentially cutting the project timeline by a year. The completion date is now projected for April 2026 instead of April 2027. This accelerated schedule is expected to boost Ontario’s economy by an estimated $273 million by reducing gridlock for drivers and facilitating faster movement of goods.
“Our government is committed to getting the 140,000 drivers who use the Gardiner Expressway daily from Toronto, Peel, Halton, York, Hamilton, and across Ontario out of gridlock and to their destinations faster,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Implementing practical solutions like 24/7 construction will yield significant economic benefits and improve convenience for drivers throughout the province and the local community.”
Ontario’s investment will enable contractors to work around the clock, with multiple shifts per day. The funding will also support additional measures to enhance traffic flow, such as modifying the Jameson to West Bound Gardiner on-ramp, opening a left-turn lane at Spadina Avenue from Lake Shore East Boulevard, and relaxing noise restrictions and overnight lane closures.
“By partnering with the provincial government, we can expedite the Gardiner Expressway’s reconstruction and alleviate the severe congestion in downtown Toronto,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “Together, we can repair our aging infrastructure, ensure the Gardiner Expressway’s safety, and make it easier for people to navigate our city.”
The current phase of the Gardiner Expressway project includes the complete demolition and rebuilding of 700 meters of elevated roadway from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, rehabilitating the supporting structures, and adding a new traffic management system and streetlights.