Lake Shore Boulevard East plans revealed
The City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto have announced construction plans for the Lake Shore Boulevard East project.
The project is being led by Waterfront Toronto and includes the permanent removal of the Logan Avenue ramp at the east end of the Gardiner Expressway, widening and lengthening the Lake Shore Bridge over the Don River, and rebuilding the roadway between Don Roadway and Carlaw Avenue, including new safer intersections, pedestrian and cycling facilities.
The goal of the work is to support the planned realignment of the Gardiner Expressway to keep the roadway safer, facilitate broad improvements and liveability of the Port Lands area, improve public access to the Port Lands, and significantly enhance Toronto’s climate resiliency through the Port Lands Flood Mitigation Protection work undertaken by Waterfront Toronto.
Removing the Logan Avenue ramp will also allow for the Lake Shore Bridge to be lengthened and widened. Once the Lake Shore Bridge is re-engineered, the new space will accommodate bike lanes, pedestrian paths and a new linear park, and allow for the re-design and naturalization of the Don River, which will be a critical element for future flood protection.
This package of work was planned and approved in 2016 as part of the larger Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Plan. It is a highly coordinated project between the City and Waterfront Toronto and includes key stakeholders such as Metrolinx and Toronto Hydro.
The construction package was designed and engineered to be as efficient as possible. It includes cost savings of approximately $35 million and a shorter construction period which will reduce traffic disruption by two years and deliver infrastructure improvements to residents and the travelling public four years earlier than planned.
Work will begin on Lake Shore Boulevard East in November, with all roadway construction scheduled for completion in 2024.
Featured image: The large mound of soil, a future island, is visible in the deep excavation of the Don Greenway, north of the ship channel. (WATERFRONToronto)