TORONTO — Construction on the Gardiner Expressway is advancing more swiftly than anticipated, and is now expected to be completed in April 2026, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Olivia Chow recently announced that the construction timeline has been “halved”.
“I’m not an engineer… when it gets done, it’ll get announced. It is on time, on budget, even much faster than being on time,” Chow saidin a social media video. She commended the “very hardworking and dedicated” crews and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the provincial government.
The Ontario government has provided $73 million to expedite the project, including permitting round-the-clock construction. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized, “We’re getting drivers out of gridlock by investing in infrastructure and accelerating construction on priority highways.”
EllisDon Civil Ltd. was awarded a $60.4 million contract for extensive work between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. The scope of work includes revitalizing 700 meters of elevated roadway, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights, and upgrading the traffic management system.
About 140,000 drivers rely on the Gardiner Expressway daily. Upon completion, travel times are anticipated to decrease by about 22 minutes per trip, alleviating congestion and enhancing overall traffic flow.
The entire rehabilitation project spans multiple sections of the expressway:
- Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue: Crews are rebuilding the 700-meter stretch of elevated roadway, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights, and upgrading the traffic management system.
- Jarvis Street to Cherry Street: Completed superstructure replacement, deck work, ramps, and new street lighting.
- Grand Magazine Street to York Street: Scheduled to replace 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway, including 91 bridge spans and five ramps.
- Highway 427 to Humber River: Early repairs on five bridges are underway ahead of full rehabilitation.
