A study is underway that brings the city one step closer to implementing a seven-kilometre multi-use trail under the Gardiner Expressway. The study, which launched in December, is expected to be completed before the end of the year and will inform the planning of the trail, according to Ilana Altman, CEO of The Bentway, a non-profit that works to improve urban public spaces and is working with the city on the project.
Don Valley Parkway, Bayview Avenue and Bloor Street on and off-ramps have been fully closed nightly from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. due to ongoing rehabilitation work since Nov. 3 and its now expected to last until Nov. 21. Starting Thursday at 9 p.m. until Friday at 5:30 a.m. Adelaide Street E. will be fully closed from Parliament Street to Eastern Avenue, and Eastern Avenue will be fully closed from Sumach Street to Broadway Avenue.
Construction on the Gardiner Expressway is expected to be finished by the end of the month, over a year ahead of the original schedule, the Ministry of Transportation has told CBC News. It could be completed as early as Oct. 27, ministry spokesperson Dakota Brasier said Friday. The new expected completion date comes after the province spent $73 million this year to speed up the project, including allowing work around the clock.
"We know that it's going to be hard, but we need to get this work done," said Jennifer Graham Harkness, the city's chief engineer and executive director for engineering and construction services.