Don’t worry – it will all be over soon.
The westbound Gardiner is shut down for annual repairs, but the 12-hour clean-up is scheduled to end by noon on Sunday. Regular spring maintenance by the city’s Transportation Department forced the closure of the busy route from Carlaw Ave. to Jameson Rd. Crews were out in full force to repair guardrails, resurface the pavement, clean the catch basins and spruce up the roadway from the general wear of winter. It’s a yearly ritual and it could be worse – in the past, officials have closed the main artery for an entire weekend. Lake Shore Blvd. and King St. are alternatives and the good news is it won’t last long. But consider it a preview for what’s to come.
In just two weeks, the Annual Ride for Heart will see both the Gardiner and the DVP closed completely from 3am to 2pm, to allow for a charity bike ride down both routes. The June 7th event happens every year and leaves drivers grumbling, aware it’s for a good cause but wondering about the wisdom of shutting both major routes in the city for such an extended stretch.