The Public GalleryToronto

Toronto City Council · 2026-07-29 · 2026.MM43.93

transit

City Council approves more lane closures on the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner for the Ontario Line

City Council is amending its May 2025 decision to allow Metrolinx to close more lanes overnight on both the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway in August 2026. The change doubles the permitted closure nights per configuration from two to four due to construction complexity at the Lower Don Bridge. This affects rush-hour traffic in the core and will be implemented in about one month.

adoptedToronto City Council · Thu, Jul 30Decided elsewhere

Who did what

Also in this item

Lane closures double to four nights per configuration due to Lower Don Bridge construction complexity, affecting both major expressways serving downtown Toronto in August 2026

The journey

Wed, Jul 29 · Toronto City Council · adopted

Decision

Amendment approved, allowing Metrolinx four nights per configuration of lane closures on the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway (doubled from the original two nights) to support Ontario Line construction at the Lower Don Bridge

On video

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Why is this story here?
ContainedA bounded operational decision affecting one construction project at one location, reversible after August 2026, and consistent with Metrolinx's established authority. It does not constrain future council decisions or change institutional capacity.Felt nowCommuters on the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway will directly experience doubled overnight lane closures in August 2026. This affects a recognizable group (downtown-bound and core commuters) in the ordinary week these closures occur.

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Official title: Amending Item 2025.EX23.3 - Metrolinx Ontario Line - Temporary Lane Closures on the Don Valley Parkway and F.G. Gardiner Expressway and Temporary Delegation of Authority - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata · meeting video