The City of Toronto announced the launch of five new Construction Hubs, a MoveTO (congestion management plan) and Vision Zero measure to improve road safety for everyone, reduce the impacts of construction and keep traffic moving in areas of the city with a high volume of construction activity.
The new Hubs are located in the downtown core, Liberty Village, East Harbour, Lake Shore West and Lake Shore East areas. Similar to the Yonge-Eglinton Construction Hub, which was launched in 2019, each of these areas have a high density of private developments being built, a significant number of capital construction projects planned and major transit expansion projects being implemented.
“The amount of construction in Toronto – both private development, infrastructure work, and transit expansion – has dramatically increased over the last number of years and that progress has continued through the pandemic and is a key part of our economic recovery,” said Mayor John Tory. “The City of Toronto is taking proactive steps to reduce the cumulative impact resulting from this construction on communities and businesses. I am confident that the five new Construction Hubs we have launched will help to make a difference in reducing the impact of construction and keeping people safely moving in areas of the city that are experiencing a significant amount of private development, critical infrastructure work and much needed transit expansion.”
On-the-ground Construction Hub coordinators will conduct logistical planning of the right-of-way, review construction management plans, connect travellers with real-time information, collaborate with enforcement officers and communicate impacts and changes to businesses and communities in the neighbourhood.
“We know that we have lots of construction ahead of us. These new Construction Hubs will be critical in our efforts to mitigate disruptions and improve safety around construction zones.” added Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.
People driving within each of the Construction Hubs are advised to plan their travel in advance, consider alternate routes, be aware that street parking may be impacted, obey signage around work zones and be patient while travelling in and around work zones. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to take public transit and cycle and walk, where possible, as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting around the city.
Featured image: The Yonge-Eglinton Construction Hub was launched in 2019. (City of Toronto)
