Complete Dismantling
In 2002, the section of the Gardiner Expressway was demolished from east of the Don Valley Parkway. Today, a number of people are advocating to further dismantle the elevated section east of Yonge Street. Some believe that a renovated surface road network and new transit alternatives would be able to accommodate the current traffic demand.
Demolition of the Gardiner Expressway east of the Don Valley Expressway. Photo by Peter MacCallum.
However, Gardiner commuters come from all over the GTA, making it almost unfeasible to provide such a comprehensive rapid transit system. Additionally, the downtown population will increase substantially as large developments such as Concord Cityplace, Liberty Village, the West Donalds, the East Bayfront and the Portlands begin to welcome people to their new homes. These new neighbourhoods will undoubtably reduce a small percentage of traffic headed to (or through) downtown, however this will be offset by an increase in commuters from downtown to various points in the GTA.
