Now that spring has sprung, construction season is next.
Toronto motorists are getting their fair warning, as the city announced Monday its plans for road construction work that will result in road closures, gridlock and slower commutes during the summer months.
The city is spending more than $130 million in 2011 to overhaul roads, sidewalks and bridges across Toronto.
A list of major projects was released to give motorists the heads-up so they have time to prepare and plan alternate routes.
Those major projects include:
- Dundas Street from Dovercourt Road to Howard Park Avenue
- Victoria Park Avenue between Highway 401 and Finch Avenue
- Humber College Boulevard from Highway 27 to Carrier Drive
- Dufferin Street between Rogers Road and Eglinton Avenue
- Finch Avenue from Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue
Money is also being spent to fill potholes. City employees repair an average of 237,000 potholes per year. As of Monday, crews have filled 73,000 of the tiny street craters, the city says.
In addition to street and bridge repairs, city hall is spending $80 million on other work, including water main and sewer replacement.
'Busy season'
Public works and infrastructure committee chair Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34, Don Valley East) went over the list of projects with reporters, describing it as a "busy season" for roadwork.
"It is critical that, with the amount of work taking place, we continue to co-ordinate the work very carefully to keep disruptions to a minimum," Minnan-Wong says in a statement.
Road closures will also take effect during special events such as the Pride Parade, Beaches Jazz Festival, Honda Indy and Caribana Festival this spring and summer.
Click here for a list of ongoing and emergency road construction projects, travel conditions and special events.
