Addressing Abandoned Road Construction Sites, Unjustified Lane Closures and Delays - by Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

We are seeing more and more neglected and unattended road construction sites City-wide. My office has received complaints from numerous constituents expressing concerns over seemingly vacant work sites, sometimes displaying scattered tools, machines, and construction materials. Also, York Centre residents have brought to our attention frequent instances of protracted and seemingly unnecessary road closures. These include lanes on major roads, blocked off by safety pylons, but with little to no sign of active construction. The consequences impact first responders, public transportation and the freight of commercial goods and services. Action must be taken to ascertain what factors are causing these issues and an appropriate strategy for resolution must be devised. I am recommending a review of road construction management and enforcement practices, which will specifically look into abandoned construction sites, delayed road construction schedules and the frequency and extent of unjustified lane closures.