QEW lane closures, road shutdowns expected to snarl southern Ontario traffic

UPDATED TO REFLECT NEW TIMES

Drivers travelling through the western Greater Toronto Area and toward Niagara are being warned to expect traffic disruptions due to separate road and highway construction projects in Burlington and Oakville.

As part of the ongoing Burlington Skyway rehabilitation project, two of four Niagara-bound lanes on the QEW will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, May 29 until 6 a.m. Monday, June 1.

The closure will stretch from north of the Burlington Skyway Bridge, including the bridge itself, and is expected to cause significant congestion for motorists travelling toward Hamilton, Stoney Creek and Niagara Region.

Additional ramp closures are also planned during the weekend. The Eastport Drive collector-lane ramp to the Niagara-bound bridge will be closed Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and again Sunday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Transportation officials said all Northshore Boulevard interchange ramps will remain open, while Eastport Drive will continue to serve as an alternate route for drivers re-entering the Niagara-bound QEW.

Meanwhile, a separate infrastructure project will result in the full closure of Burloak Drive beginning just after midnight today (Friday).

Burloak Drive will be closed in both directions between Harvester Road/Wyecroft Road and Prince William Drive/Superior Court until 6 a.m. on Monday, June 1.

The closure is part of the Burloak Grade Separation Project and will allow crews to bring new rail tracks into service on a new rail bridge, relocate and pave a railway crossing on a temporary detour road and install storm sewer infrastructure.

Officials said access to businesses at 700 to 728 Burloak Drive will remain available via Prince William Drive, while emergency access will be maintained throughout the closure.

The intersection at Prince William Drive and Superior Court will remain open, although some turning restrictions may be in place.

Signed detour routes will direct drivers around the closure area.

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead, expect delays and allow extra travel time throughout the weekend and into next week.