Gardiner Expressway, Municipal expressway in Toronto, Canada
The Gardiner Expressway is a major road connecting Toronto's western suburbs to downtown, running partially as an elevated structure along the waterfront. It stretches from the Don Valley Parkway to Highway 427, serving as a key transportation corridor through the city.
Construction began in 1955 as the Lakeshore Expressway but was renamed in 1957 after Frederick G. Gardiner, the first chair of Metro Council. This road became a defining piece of Toronto's transportation infrastructure.
The Bentway project transformed the space underneath the roadway into a public trail where people walk, cycle, and gather for events throughout the year.
The expressway experiences heavy traffic during rush hours, so travel times vary significantly depending on when you use it. The elevated sections are built for vehicles, while the space below has been developed into accessible public areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
The elevated portion is one of Ontario's longest bridge structures, supported by massive concrete columns that have become recognizable landmarks. This engineering choice left space underneath that residents and visitors now use for recreation and community activities.
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