Toronto is preparing for another year of extensive construction in 2025. With a focus on improving roadways, transit systems, and water infrastructure, the city aims to address its aging systems while supporting future growth. While these projects promise long-term benefits, they will bring challenges for commuters and construction workers alike. Here’s a detailed look at some of the major initiatives shaping Toronto’s infrastructure landscape for 2025:
Key Road and Bridge Projects
Gerrard Street East (Sherbourne Street to Parliament Street)
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Scope of Work: A complete street transformation that includes road reconstruction, pedestrian safety improvements, bike lanes, watermain replacements, and streetscape greening.
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Impact: This project will make Gerrard Street safer for cyclists and pedestrians while modernizing essential infrastructure.
Scarborough Golf Club Road (Lawrence Avenue to Ellesmere Road)
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Scope of Work: Replacement of an aging watermain and implementation of road safety improvements.
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Impact: Enhanced water infrastructure and improved road conditions will benefit both residents and local businesses.
Bathurst Street/Lake Shore Boulevard West/Fleet Street Intersection
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Scope of Work: Replacement of a 105-year-old watermain and streetcar tracks, alongside sidewalk widening and additional public seating on Fleet Street.
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Impact: Improved streetscape and reliability of essential utilities, benefiting pedestrians and transit users.
Richmond Street Bridge Rehabilitation
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Scope of Work: Repairs to bridges around the Richmond Street Exit of the Don Valley Parkway, requiring temporary closures and detours.
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Timeline: Expected to be completed by spring 2025.
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Impact: Increased safety and longevity of critical bridge infrastructure.
Road Resurfacing and Safety Upgrades
Sheppard Avenue East (Victoria Park to Kennedy Road)
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Scope of Work: Major road resurfacing, watermain replacement, and safety enhancements.
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Impact: Improved traffic flow and infrastructure reliability.
Port Union Road (Lawrence Avenue to Highway 401)
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Scope of Work: Road widening, resurfacing, pedestrian safety upgrades, updated lighting, hydro poles, and stormwater drainage improvements.
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Timeline: Expected to finish by late 2025.
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Impact: Enhanced connectivity and improved safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Major Transit Expansion Projects
Ontario Line Construction
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Scope of Work: Active construction on new subway stations, including King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, and Moss Park. Station excavations, bridge upgrades, and elevated guideway preparations are ongoing.
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Impact: Improved transit connectivity across Toronto, reducing travel times for residents.
Scarborough Busway Conversion
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Scope of Work: Repurposing the decommissioned Scarborough RT corridor into a dedicated busway.
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Cost: Estimated at $67.9 million.
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Timeline: Construction began in 2025 and will take two years.
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Impact: Enhanced transit reliability for Scarborough residents.
SmartTrack Stations
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Scope of Work: Early utility relocations and active construction at key stations, including Bloor Lansdowne, East Harbour Transit Hub, and St. Clair-Old Weston GO Station.
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Impact: Better integration of transit systems to serve Toronto’s growing population.
Challenges for Workers and Commuters
CTV News reports that these large-scale projects will result in road closures, lane reductions, and detours. For construction workers, managing tight schedules, supply chain issues, and community concerns will require coordination and adaptability. For commuters, patience will be key as these disruptions aim to bring long-term benefits to the city’s infrastructure.
Long-Term Vision for Toronto
With over 100 capital projects completed in 2024 and more planned for 2025, Toronto is investing in a sustainable, resilient future. By addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing transit systems, and improving roadways, the city is positioning itself to better support its growing population.
Conclusion
From major road improvements to transformative transit expansions, Toronto’s 2025 construction projects promise a brighter future for residents and commuters. These efforts, while challenging in the short term, will ensure the city’s infrastructure can meet the demands of tomorrow. For construction workers, this represents an opportunity to shape Toronto’s future while contributing to essential improvements.
