This weekend in Toronto, navigating the city may be more difficult due to significant road and public transit closures. Motorists and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead as these closures could affect travel times considerably.
DVP Closure Details
The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) will be closed in both directions from Highway 401 to the Jarvis Street ramp on the Gardiner Expressway. This closure begins at 11 p.m. on Friday and will last until 5 a.m. on Monday. The city has announced this closure is vital for critical maintenance work, which includes:
- Road resurfacing
- Guardrail replacements
- Catch basin cleaning and repairs
- Inspection and repairs of lighting
According to Andrew Posluns, the city’s chief congestion officer, this maintenance is essential to ensure the DVP’s integrity and performance, especially in anticipation of increased traffic during the FIFA World Cup. He urged residents to consider public transit options and allow extra travel time if driving is necessary.
Line 2 Shutdown and TTC Adjustments
In addition to the DVP closure, a section of TTC’s Line 2 will experience shutdowns. The affected stretch will be between Jane and Kipling stations from 11 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Sunday for planned signal work. Shuttle buses will operate in this area to accommodate passengers.
Additional Road Closures
Several other road closures and construction activities will take place this weekend, including:
- Eastern/Adelaide Bridge Rehabilitation Project: One westbound lane of Eastern Avenue over the DVP will be closed until Monday at 5 a.m.
- Elizabeth Street: Closed from Gerrard Street West to Elm Street from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
- Gardiner Expressway On-Ramp: The BC Road and Lake Shore Boulevard on-ramp will be closed from 10 p.m. Sunday to approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday.
- Market Street: Closure from Front Street W. to The Esplanade starting Sunday until January 2027.
- St. Clair Avenue Bridge: Reduced to one lane in both directions due to a recent fire.
Impact of Events in the City
This weekend, multiple events will further impact traffic, including:
- Toronto Blue Jays versus Los Angeles Angels game at 7 p.m. on Friday.
- Toronto FC matches Inter Miami CF at BMO Field at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
- Sporting Life 10K scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Sunday in the Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue area.
Specific road closures for the Sporting Life 10K include:
- Bayview Avenue between River Street and Mill Street from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue and Eglinton Avenue from 4 a.m. to noon.
- Front Street between Eastern Avenue and Bayview Avenue from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As Toronto gears up for a busy weekend, residents are reminded to plan their routes carefully and remain patient amidst the disruptions. Further updates and information can be found on the El-Balad website.
