Toronto Schedules Full Weekend Closures for Gardiner Expressway and DVP Maintenance Work
Gardiner Expressway DVP closures Toronto scheduled for major maintenance weekends
The City of Toronto has announced two upcoming weekend closures of the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) to complete critical maintenance and infrastructure work as part of its long-term transportation strategy.
The closures are designed to allow crews to carry out extensive repairs safely and efficiently while minimizing the need for repeated overnight lane restrictions.
Gardiner Expressway Closure: April 24–27
The Gardiner Expressway will be fully closed in both directions from the Humber River to Spadina Avenue beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and reopening at 5 a.m. on Monday, April 27.
During this closure, crews will complete final paving work on eastbound lanes between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, along with paving the Jameson Avenue off-ramp. This work is part of the City’s long-term Gardiner Expressway Strategic Rehabilitation Plan.
To maintain Toronto’s expressways and reduce longer‑term disruption, the City will fully close sections of the Gardiner Expressway (April 24–27) and Don Valley Parkway (May 8 -11) for coordinated weekend maintenance.
These closures allow crews to complete the equivalent of… pic.twitter.com/I5GXsBZ8bR
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) April 21, 2026
DVP Closure: May 8–11
The Don Valley Parkway will be fully closed from Highway 401 to the Jarvis Street ramp starting at 11 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and reopening at 5 a.m. on Monday, May 11.
This closure will allow for resurfacing work and progress on major infrastructure projects, including the Eastern Avenue bridge and Bayview-Bloor ramp improvements. It will also provide access for Metrolinx work related to the Ontario Line and maintenance by Toronto Hydro.
Bundled Work to Reduce Disruptions
City officials say bundling multiple maintenance activities into a single weekend closure significantly reduces overall disruption for motorists.
Across both closures, crews will complete:
- Crack and pothole repairs
- Guardrail maintenance and replacement
- Bridge inspections and concrete removal
- Lane repainting
- Lighting repairs
- Catch basin cleaning to prevent flooding
- Debris, graffiti and vegetation removal
The City estimates that each closure replaces more than 30 overnight lane closures, saving drivers up to 150 hours of cumulative disruption. This approach also delivers cost savings of up to 25 per cent.
Traffic Management and Travel Advice
To manage congestion during the closures, the City will implement a comprehensive traffic strategy, including:
- Deployment of traffic control agents
- Real-time traffic signal adjustments on detour routes
- Electronic messaging boards to alert drivers
- Coordination with navigation apps for updated routing
- Restrictions on additional construction along key detours
Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider using public transit where possible. TTC and GO Transit trip planners are available to help commuters navigate alternative options.
Supporting Long-Term Infrastructure and Major Events
The scheduled maintenance is part of Toronto’s broader effort to maintain aging infrastructure while preparing for future demands, including major international events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Both closures are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement conditions.
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