Toronto traffic is about to get worse next year with Gardiner repairs and Metrolinx construction

Toronto roads, especially near Exhibition Place, will be “challenging” for drivers next summer as major congestion due to massive projects and events are set to take place in 2023.

Th A constellation of construction projects and special events will create a challenging environment near Exhibition Place next summer, according to its CEO.

“There’s a litany of things impacting Exhibition Place,” said Exhibition Place CEO Don Boyle. “Eleven major things taking place. It’s taken a lot of planning for the last 18 months.”

Repairs to a crumbling section of the Gardiner Expressway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue have been delayed until summer 2023 at the earliest. It will bump shoulders with construction of the Ontario Line.

“This project is very complex as the work zone and construction timelines intersects with Metrolinx’s work zone for the Ontario Line,” said the city in an email to the Star. “The city is working together with multiples partners including Metrolinx to co-ordinate this work.”

In addition, Boyle listed upcoming work on the Dufferin Street bridges, TTC streetcar extensions and a construction of a performance venue and hotel.

“And if that wasn’t enough, you’ve also got FIFA 2026,” he said. “It’s challenging enough with road closures from everything else, let alone what this is going to mean for us.”

According to the city, construction next summer will have “significant impacts on drivers.” Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained for the duration of the project, the city said, with limited additional lane closures.

While Exhibition Station’s TTC streetcar loop will be affected by construction, requiring replacement buses, the GO train will be protected and see uninterrupted use, the city confirmed. However, Exhibition Place storage and parking areas under the Gardiner will be unusable during construction.

“We recognize that this will be a very busy area for construction and other activities,” said a spokesperson for the city. “This work will include a traffic management plan through transportation services developed in co-ordination with other parties doing work in the same area. .”

Despite the challenges, Boyle said he is optimistic about next summer, thanks to months of preparation.

“There are a lot of players we’re co-ordinating with,” he said. “It’s very complex, but I think we’re going to have a good summer. It just means thinking differently. It’s not long ago it was all vacant industrial space around here, where you might store old city plows. It’s 2022, and every inch of the grounds now is prime space.”