Torontonians expecting to face huge traffic headaches during G-20
By ANIFriday, June 25, 2010
TORONTO - Torontonians are expecting to face huge traffic problems during the Group of Twenty (G-20) Summit, which gets underway at the weekend.
Police have already outlined road closures and restrictions in the Greater Toronto Area from June 24 through June 27.
Sources and reports said the city’s four major highways - Highway 401, Highway 427, the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway - will have lane restrictions and “periodic full closures” that will cause “significant delays”.
The bulk of the shutdowns will affect Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway, the main routes between Pearson International Airport and downtown Toronto.
A Globe and Mail report said that from June 24 to June 26, the closures will largely affect traffic heading to the downtown core.
On June 27, the last day of the summit, the restrictions will impact outbound motorists as world leaders depart the city.
Motorists have been warned to give themselves extra time and margins, as traffic jams are expected in view of VIP movement between hotels and the summit venue.
It is expected that traffic at some points will be re-routed away from the city.
Residents have been urged to use public transit and plan alternate routes.
The downtown traffic diversion zone will extend from Spadina Avenue in the west to Yonge Street, and from King Street West south to Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Toronto police will be in the area to ensure cars do not stop, idle or park. Vehicles violating the rules will be tagged or towed, one media report said. By Ashok Dixit (ANI)
