Tearing down the east Gardiner will increase travel time and compound congestion

New data reinforces the Gardiner Coalition support of the hybrid option

TORONTO, May 7, 2015 /CNW/ - New research shows the morning commute times for drivers will increase by up to 10 minutes and southbound traffic flow on the Don Valley Parkway may break down if the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway is removed.

The findings released today by the University of Toronto's Centre for Intelligent Transportation Systems were commissioned by the Gardiner Coalition. The Gardiner Coalition consists of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Canadian Courier & Logistics Association, Ontario Trucking Association, Redpath Sugar, Toronto Industry Network and the Toronto Financial District BIA.

The independent research undertaken by the University of Toronto reveals approximately 3,000 eastbound vehicles use the eastern portion of the expressway during the peak morning rush, almost triple the number previously thought.  

The study also finds removing the Gardiner would mean an increase of up to 10 minutes to eastbound travel times from Park Lawn Road to the east end. This is a 'best-case scenario' and would be much worse if there was a collision, road closure or inclement weather. Time isn't the only factor. The study indicates there would be a ripple effect which would force commuters onto already congested routes such as the Don Valley Parkway and Richmond Street. And researchers estimate the dollar amount due to delays would total approximately $37 million per year. Meanwhile, according to the C.D. Howe Institute, gridlock in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is already costing the region nearly $11 billion annually.

The Gardiner Coalition, made up of diverse industry groups, supports the 'hybrid option' as it maintains the current traffic capacity, forms a contiguous link between two main arteries through the City of Toronto while ensuring mobility, safety and quality of life for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

"The proposed hybrid option maintains the vital connection between the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner and allows the continuous movement of goods, services and traffic across Toronto that is essential to our economy. The effect of removing the Gardiner has the potential to impact all road users well beyond the study area," said Elliott Silverstein, Manager Government Relations, CAA SCO.

"An effective transportation infrastructure helps our manufacturers to compete more effectively in world markets. Taking down the Gardiner Expressway would impose a serious ongoing financial penalty on Toronto and negatively impact industry. TIN supports the hybrid option, ensuring the Gardiner remains an essential component of the city's and the GTA's road network," said Paul Scrivener, Director of External Relations, Toronto Industry Network (TIN).

Meanwhile, the proposed removal option of the Gardiner is based on assumptions that a Downtown Relief Line, Broadview Extension and the Waterfront East LRT are imminent, but have yet to be funded by any level of government.

About CAA SOUTH CENTRAL ONTARIO
As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

About CANADIAN COURIER AND LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION
The Canadian Courier & Logistics Association (CCLA) represents global delivery networks employing or using more than 100,000 Canadians and generating more than $10 billion in sales per year. The CCLA's mission is to represent and advance the interests of couriers and time sensitive logistics service providers operating in Canada. The CCLA undertakes advocacy, research and education on matters impacting our industry and its contribution to the global competitiveness of the Canadian economy.

About ONTARIO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) was founded in 1926, and provides services and public policy advocacy for trucking companies hauling freight into, out of and within the Province of Ontario. OTA member fleets operate over two-thirds of all commercial tractor-trailers on Ontario roadways and employ over 70,000 men and women who work in the trucking industry. OTA is the only trucking association in Ontario that represents all segments of the industry.

About REDPATH SUGAR
An employer located on Toronto's waterfront, Redpath Sugar Ltd. is a part of ASR Group, the world's largest refiner of cane sugar. Redpath Sugar provides sugar products to consumers, food service outlets and food manufacturers throughout Canada.

About TORONTO INDUSTRY NETWORK
Made up of a number of Toronto's large manufacturers and industrial associations, the Toronto Industry Network (TIN) provides a voice at City Hall for the manufacturing community. TIN wants Toronto to remain a competitive city to invest and work in. Manufacturing accounts for more than 110,000 direct jobs that create real wealth for Toronto. Issues important to TIN include the new Official Plan and Zoning By-law, transportation, tax ratio, water rates, electricity reliability and regulations that effect competitiveness.

About TORONTO FINANCIAL DISTRICT BIA
The Toronto Financial District BIA represents Toronto's premier business centre, an area that includes Union Station, the PATH underground walkway and Canada' s five major banks and most prominent firms. With a mandate to promote economic development in the area, initiatives include improving public spaces, showcasing the daily activity of our thriving businesses at www.MyTOFD.com and @MyTOFD, and identifying collaborative opportunities that ensure the Financial District and PATH are well-maintained, integrated, connected and accessible.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Elliott Silverstein, Manager of Government Relations, CAA South Central Ontario, 416-567-7203, [email protected]