Gardiner Expressway ramp to be demolished and replaced (PHOTOS)

And so the construction begins.

The City of Toronto is replacing the ramp from the eastbound Gardiner Expressway to York, Bay and Yonge Streets with a shorter ramp to Lower Simcoe Street and widening Harbour Street from Lower Simcoe Street to Bay Street to improve pedestrian and cycling access to the waterfront.

The ramp is expected to be closed to traffic on April 17 and construction will continue until January 2018.

#CityofTO traffic alert: Eastbound #Gardiner ramp to York/Bay/Yonge closes April 17. Plan alternate routes. Details: https://t.co/ebDVVj0rDK pic.twitter.com/uDdkOtfjT8

— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) March 23, 2017

Mayor John Tory made the announcement on the morning of February 8 at the park space by the York Street exit ramp which will be redesigned through this construction.

“Like the rest of the Gardiner, the ramp was built over 50 years ago, is in poor condition and nearing the end of its service life. We need to redesign it to address today’s traffic demands,” said Mayor John Tory in a statement. “The demolition of the old ramp will also give both residents and visitors better access to one of our greatest physical spaces, Lake Ontario, as well as more park space in the community.”

City of Toronto

During the construction work, drivers will still have full access to downtown by exiting the eastbound Gardiner Expressway at the Jameson Avenue, Spadina Avenue and Jarvis Street ramps.

In addition, you will also be able to access eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard from the eastbound Gardiner Expressway ramp at Spadina Avenue.

Work on the project will take place Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm.

This work is taking place following an environmental assessment in 2013 that recommended the reconfiguration of the ramps in the area.

Below are images and City renderings of the project.