The City of Toronto is warning drivers to expect significant delays as marathons parades and construction-related road closures take effect this weekend, with some measures stretching the entirety of the month.
Several road restrictions and traffic management measures are set to take effect Friday heading into Sunday’s Toronto Marathon. The closures will affect key travel routes such as the Yonge Street and Lake Shore Boulevard.
Here a breakdown of what you need to know.
Gardiner closures continue
For “critical” overnight bridge work, city officials say from Friday 9 p.m. to Saturday 5 a.m., the Gardiner Expressway will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Kipling Avenue and Islington Avenue.
- The Gardiner westbound off-ramp to Kipling Avenue will be closed.
- The Kipling southbound and northbound on-ramps to the Gardiner will be closed.
- The Gardiner eastbound off-ramp to Islington Avenue will be closed.
- The Islington southbound on-ramps to Gardiner east and westbound closed.
The city adds that previous lane restrictions between Park Lawn Road and Grand Avenue have been lifted to accommodate expected higher traffic tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Those closure have been in place since April 2025 for “critical bridge rehabilitation” as work is expected to start up again in August.
Lake Shore Boulevard
Until May 29, one westbound lane on Lake Shore Boulevard will close weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and overnight between Yonge Street and Raptors Way.
Officials say that additional closures will continue overnight on the westbound lane between Parliament Street and Cherry Street, adding that those measure will remain in place until May 8.
Construction for “bridge rehabilitation” will also close Eastern Avenue from Sumach Street to Broadview Avenue and Adelaide Street East from Parliament Street to Eastern Avenue during overnight periods from May 4 to May 7. Closures include:
- Eastern Avenue will be closed from Sumach Street to Broadview Avenue
- Adelaide Street East will be closed from Parliament Street to Eastern Avenue
- Southbound Don Valley Parkway (DVP) drivers will be able to exit at the Richmond Street off‑ramp and travel westbound on Richmond Street or Eastern Avenue
Then, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on May 4 and May 5, officials say they close the southbound DVP off-ramp to Richmond Street.
Toronto Marathon Sunday
The Toronto Marathon takes place Sunday, with route closures from Yonge Street near Mel Lastman Square to Strachan Avenue at Lake Shore Boulevard West between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Organizers say about 22,000 participants from more than 70 countries are expected. Police will be stationed at major intersections, and delays are expected.
For a full list of road closures visit the marathon’s website here.
City officials note that Highway 401 southbound ramps at Yonge Street are expected to reopen by 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, Bloor Street will remain open for east-west traffic, while Spadina Avenue will remain open to maintain access to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the Queens Quay area.
Other closures
Toronto Street will close between King Street East and Adelaide Street East from Friday evening to Saturday morning for what officials say will be “filming.”
In addition, St. Albans Road in Etobicoke will close from Friday evening until late Sunday for crane dismantling.
The Khalsa Day Etobicoke Parade will also close stretches of Finch Avenue West, Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Carrier Drive and Westmore Drive on Sunday.
