Two major Ontario highways set to close on two upcoming weekends

Commuters who use two busy Toronto highways should note that portions of both roadways will temporarily close for maintenance. 

Today, the City of Toronto announced that it has scheduled two weekend closures to perform maintenance work on the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway.

The Gardiner will be fully closed from the Humber River to Spadina Avenue from 11 p.m. on Friday, April 24, until 5 a.m. on Monday, April 27. 

The DVP will be fully closed from Highway 401 to the Jarvis Street ramp on the Gardiner from 11 p.m. on Friday, May 8, until 5 a.m. on Monday, May 11 — the Mother’s Day weekend. 

In a news release, the city said both closures could be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. The work, the city said, will be carried out to maintain the highways, reduce future disruptions and help the city prepare for major events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. 

During each closure, crews will complete work equivalent to that carried out over 30 overnight lane closures, which the city said will save drivers up to 150 hours of disruption. The city also said this tactic provides cost savings of up to 25 per cent compared with multiple overnight closures.

During the weekend closures, workers will repair cracks and potholes, maintain and replace guardrails, repaint lane markings, inspect and repair lighting, clear catch basins, and remove debris, weeds, litter, and graffiti. 

The city said crews will complete the final paving of the eastbound lanes between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue on the Gardiner, as well as the Jameson Avenue off‑ramp. 

Major rehabilitation work in this area was completed last year, 18 months ahead of schedule. 

The DVP closure will allow workers to complete full-width resurfacing of sections, as well as work on the ongoing Eastern Avenue bridge project and the Bayview-Bloor ramp. Metrolinx and Toronto Hydro will also carry out work related to the Ontario Line, a new subway line currently under construction. 

To control traffic, the city said it will deploy traffic agents, restrict short-term utility construction on detour routes, coordinate with traffic apps and work with event holders to keep motorists informed. 

Drivers are encouraged to consider alternate routes, leave extra time, and take public transit if possible.