Major Traffic Disruptions in Toronto Due to Expressway and Transit Closures

Toronto drivers and transit riders will face significant disruptions this weekend as the Gardiner Expressway undergoes maintenance work, leading to a full closure, while various transit services are also affected.

The city of Toronto has announced that the Gardiner Expressway will be closed for maintenance, cleaning, and inspections starting at 11 p.m. on Friday. The closure is expected to last until 10 a.m. on Sunday. According to a city news release, sections of the expressway will be reopened in phases as work is completed. Additionally, crews are set to perform repairs on the Dufferin Street Bridge, which crosses over the expressway. The York on-ramp will remain closed until 5 a.m. on Monday to accommodate concrete and asphalt repairs.

Yonge Street will also experience a temporary closure on Saturday due to the RBC Race for Kids. The stretch between Sheppard Avenue West and Cummer Avenue will be inaccessible to vehicles from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In another part of the city, Queen Street, both eastbound and westbound lanes at the York Street intersection, will be closed until mid-October for the installation of overhead streetcar wiring. During this period, one westbound lane is expected to stay open.

Transit riders should prepare for disruptions as well. There will be no subway service between St Clair and York Mills stations on Saturday to allow for track work. Line 2 train services will bypass Pape Station on both Saturday and Sunday due to Ontario Line construction. The city’s statement indicates that bus services will continue, and shuttle buses will provide additional service.

Additionally, Lawrence Station will be closed, although other subway stations will be open for PRESTO card loading and to connect passengers to surface routes. Furthermore, Sunday will see a delayed start in subway service between St. George and Broadview stations on Line 2, beginning at 11 a.m., to facilitate beam replacement work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. However, Bay and Sherbourne stations will be closed during these times.

On the GO Transit network, service on the Barrie line will be suspended throughout Saturday and Sunday to perform essential track maintenance work.