Milestone: Next phase of Gardiner Expressway work set to begin [Video]

The second phase of construction on Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway will begin earlier than initially planned.

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria called it a “milestone” moment Thursday, and linked the progress to the province’s $73-million investment in the project.

“This milestone means two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner Expressway are now rehabilitated and have reopened,” Sarkaria said.

“Workers will begin the demolition and reconstruction of the two central lanes as early as tomorrow before completing the final third phase of work on the remaining two westbound lanes.”

The project, which began in the spring, has caused significant gridlock and increased time sitting in traffic. The more than 60-year-old roadway was expected to be closed for three years and would only fully reopen temporarily for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, in July, the Ontario government announced it …