WATCH: The latest study from City Hall suggests land sales could benefit the city but removing a potion of the Gardiner would increase commute times. Mark McAllister reports.
TORONTO – A new report on the future of the east-end Gardiner Expressway suggests travel times would increase by 10 minutes if the elevated portion is demolished.
Traffic congestion would also cost $36.6 million a year in lost productivity and divert approximately 1,600 cars a day, according to the Toronto Star.
Further findings will be revealed Thursday afternoon during a press conference held by The Gardiner Coalition at the offices of the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
The report was conducted by the University of Toronto’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Centre and commissioned by the coalition made up of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Canadian Courier & Logistics Association, Ontario Trucking Association, Redpath Sugar, Toronto Industry Network and the Toronto Financial District BIA.
A city staff report introduced last month says removing the Gardiner is by far the most cost-effective option, at $461 million, compared to $919 million for the hybrid option and $864 million to keep the aging roadway as-is.
The removal of the Gardiner east of Jarvis St. would also be a benefit development and job-creation in the area.
The city’s public works committee is scheduled to discuss the matter next week.
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