Toronto is a vibrant, dynamic and growing city with a great deal of investment in capital construction, transit expansion and private development, as well as hosting major events. These are all great strengths and keep the city vibrant and healthy, bringing people and business to Toronto, but they do come with a cost – the need for road and lane closures that affect everyone travelling on our streets.
The Congestion Management Plan 2023-2026 is implementing a wide variety of proactive initiatives that help manage traffic congestion in Toronto and maintain safety for all road users. The plan includes the latest technologies, and also builds upon proven traffic management techniques, such as the Traffic Agent Program.
The primary source of traffic congestion is the ongoing construction with road closures throughout the city and for multiple years. Toronto is the busiest in all of North America with transit infrastructure projects, new developments to support housing demands and in response to upgrading utility infrastructure that is necessary to support all of the new condo/housing developments. All of this will lead to a far greater city with better transit options and more housing options as well.
To alleviate the traffic impacts, City staff are reviewing current and ongoing City construction projects for acceleration opportunities, such as longer work hours or additional crews. In addition, City staff are reviewing the City’s project management, contract management and capital delivery models, including design, tendering and contract management, to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
In April 2024, the Strategic Capital Coordination Office (SCCO) was established to better coordinate capital projects and maintenance work by the City, Province, utilities and private development, as well as major special events. Previous construction coordination processes have been challenged to keep pace with the rapid growth and complexity of infrastructure work, and there is an opportunity for a new approach to expand and enhance our existing capital coordination programs.
Major festivals and events generate significant economic and cultural benefits for Toronto and raise the city’s profile on the world stage. However, the City recognizes the need for enhanced decision-making, coordination and support for traffic management for special events, particularly when these take place at the same time as road closures for critical construction.
A Special Event Advisory Team (SEAT) is working with our colleagues in Toronto Police Services, Toronto Parking Authority, TTC, Metrolinx, and Toronto Emergency Management to improve traffic management planning efforts around major events and coordinate with ongoing construction.
In 2025, the City will begin using a new framework for reviewing special event applications, including:
The City is exploring the potential use of automated enforcement for bylaw infractions, including Blockage of Signalized Intersections (Don‘t Block the Box), Illegal Blockage of Bike Lanes and Illegal use of Dedicated Transit Lanes.
The process of implementing automated enforcement is complex and multi-faceted and may take one to two years.
Learn more about the fourth Transportation Innovation Challenge, which will pilot this technology.
Staff reports to Toronto City Council on the Congestion Management Plan:
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take public transit and cycle and walk, where possible, as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting around the city. If you need to drive, plan your route using the Road Restrictions Map and allow extra time to get to and from your destinations.