The City of Toronto is proposing to complete road safety improvements and install new bikeways along Bathurst Street from Bainbridge Avenue to Steeles Avenue. The improvements are planned to be implemented as part of programmed road resurfacing for Bathurst Street between Steeles Avenue West and Bainbridge Avenue. The proposed one-way cycle tracks and multi-use trails would link to the existing public transit routes on Steeles Avenue West, Finch Avenue West and Sheppard Avenue West and connect to several new and existing trails and bikeways in and around the Bathurst Manor area. In addition to the road resurfacing work, changes will be implemented including improvements to TTC service infrastructure, streetscaping and the addition of green infrastructure where possible.
— Phase One
Steeles Avenue W to Finch Avenue W
Design: 2024
Construction: 2025
– – – Phase Two
Finch Avenue W to Bainbridge Avenue
Design: 2026
Construction: 2027
The project area is bounded to the south by Bainbridge Avenue, to the north by Steeles Avenue, with both sides of Bathurst Street constituting the east and west boundaries, spanning 4.7 kilometers of the roadway. Running parallel to Bathurst Street on both sides are several green spaces/accesses to parks, including Earl Bales Park.
The project proposes the following improvements to the corridor:
The project will be completed using various complete street features, including:
Cycle tracks are separate lanes for bicycles that are adjacent to the roadway, but separated from vehicular traffic. Cycle tracks help distinguish the area for cycling from vehicular traffic.
Multi-use trails are paved routes used and shared by pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters and more.
A dedicated public transit lane at a signalized intersection that allows public transit vehicles to avoid traffic queues.
The location of transit stops is generally guided by the safety and comfort of transit users, spacing between stops, and nearby intersections and land uses.
A protected intersection design includes a separated bikeway, where enhanced measures mitigate the conflict between people cycling, people walking and drivers turning.
Modified curb radii to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and encourage lower motor vehicle speeds.
Mid-block crossings are signalized crossings that allow pedestrians a formally designated place to cross a street between intersections along a corridor.
Native, canopy trees that provide shade and increase the urban canopy of the city are proposed where soil volumes allow.
Green infrastructure such as bioswales and infiltrative planting beds are proposed where space and drainage allows.
Public consultation will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the project and to give input on the proposed designs.
A public drop-in event is proposed to take place in late fall of 2024. Details will be made available here shortly.
Bathurst Street is programmed for major road resurfacing improvements between 2025 and 2027. Significant road work (road resurfacing) provides opportunities to expand the cycling network and incorporate complete street and safety features.
Bathurst Street between Steeles Avenue West and Bainbridge Avenue has between 26,000 and 36,000 vehicles per day including several bus routes. Speed studies have shown 95th percentile speeds ranging between 66km/h and 73km/h. Between 2012 and 2022, 107 pedestrian collisions were recorded, including 14 reported incidents resulting in a killed or seriously injured pedestrian. In the same time period, there were 36 collisions involving people on bikes.
Please email Dominic Cobran at Dominic.Cobran3@toronto.ca to be added to the project list and to stay informed.