Targeted Lane Re-Openings to Reduce Congestion During Construction Downtime - by Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher

While these initiatives are in various stages of progress, with some well into implementation, while others have just been approved and are now getting underway, together these efforts are strengthening accountability, aligning delivery timelines and improving how we manage traffic in complex urban conditions. Building on this momentum, this motion directs staff to assess the feasibility, on a project-by-project basis, of temporarily reopening traffic lanes on parallel routes during major events and on evenings and weekends when no construction is taking place. This approach seeks to make the most of construction downtime and reduce congestion without compromising project timelines or safety. This motion also builds on important work already underway by the Special Event Advisory Team and the newly established Traffic Event Management Planning Unit. These teams coordinate traffic management efforts with construction activity through close collaboration with Work Zone Coordination Teams, emergency services, Toronto Transit Commission, Metrolinx, and Toronto Police. In a growing city facing complex challenges, standing still is not an option. With this motion, we are furthering our solutions to keep Toronto moving. This motion is urgent as reducing congestion is an urgent priority for our city and this recommendation will be implemented before the next meeting of Toronto City Council.

integrate the assessment for lane openings into the contract requirements to enable planning and scheduling that supports temporary traffic relief without compromising project timelines or safety.