'Busiest' ever road construction season causing major congestion

Torontosun.com
June 10, 2019
Graeme Gordon

The over- $1 billion poured into Toronto road construction this year -- called the city’s busiest year ever -- is leading to major traffic congestion.

The CAA’s 2019 Worst Roads Campaign survey released at the end of May revealed drivers found Eglinton Ave. E to be the worst road in Ontario.

Dufferin St., Sheppard Ave. E and Bathurst St. are all Toronto roads that made the top ten list this year too.

“Construction and congestion seem to go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to traffic issues within the City of Toronto,” said CAA spokesperson Raymond Chan in a phone interview.

“I would say that potholes and crumbling pavement go into that mix as well because if there is a lot of construction that is going on chances are there are more wear-and-tear going on our roadways. So as the heavy trucks go in and out of those particular sites you’re causing more wear than traditionally that road would be accustomed to.”

The city’s infrastructure map shows an aging grid blanketed with construction projects this year.

There are currently 43 major road restrictions across the city.

“City staff work routinely to make sure construction is coordinated to minimize disruption as much as possible,” says Mayor John Tory’s director of communications Don Peat.

“The Mayor knows the summer construction season can be frustrating for residents and the traveling public and is constantly urging staff to get this work done in a timely and effective manner to reduce the amount of disruption for everyone.”

“Under the leadership of the Mayor, the city has seen continued investments made to its huge network of roads, cycling infrastructure and transit -- in 2019 alone, $590 million will be spent on improving major roads, local roads and expressways throughout the city,” Peat added.

Yonge St. -- which ranked first on last year’s survey -- and surrounding intersections are another key area in the heart of the city going through a slew of renovation updates.

For example, vital intersection Yonge-Eglinton is undergoing additional construction on top of the seemingly never-ending light rail transit project.

Yonge-St. Clair area is also getting a makeover with several active water main replacement projects underway.

“Citizens should provide feedback and suggestions regarding construction projects they have encountered, whether through 311 or through their Councillor,” said Councillor Stephen Holyday.

“They should expect their Councillor to actively monitor these projects to ensure they are communicated, are executed in the best way possible, and that protocols are followed to coordinate work within an area. For instance, I am mindful of work on parallel streets and try to ensure the availability of alternate routes and access to driveways.”

More than 600 roads across the city will undergo construction this year.