Stantec Engages in Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation
EDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK and TORONTO — Stantec, recognized as a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has embarked on a significant project awarded by the City of Toronto. This initiative involves Owner’s Engineer/Technical Advisory Services (OETA) for the F.G. Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project, Section 4. The project encompasses multidisciplinary engineering consulting services, including planning, preliminary design, procurement, design-build, and post-construction phases.
In a strategic move earlier, Stantec expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of Morrison Hershfield, effectively doubling its transportation staff in the Ontario region and enhancing its influence in the Greater Toronto Area.
Challenges of Infrastructure Rehabilitation
The Gardiner Expressway stands as one of Canada’s most vital transport corridors, facilitating the movement of around 140,000 vehicles each day. This high volume of traffic, along with the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, severe weather, and exposure to salt, demands a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy to prolong the expressway’s functional life.
According to Susan Walter, Stantec’s executive vice president of Infrastructure, “The Gardiner Expressway is a critical corridor for the city. We have been collaborating with Toronto’s Strategic Rehabilitation Plan, working diligently since 2019 to ensure the safe operation and longevity of this 60-year-old expressway.”
Focus of Section 4 Rehabilitation
Section 4 of the project involves the extensive replacement of 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway, stretching from Grand Magazine Street to York Street. This section lies in the heart of Toronto, encompassing 91 bridge spans and five on- and off-ramps. The envisioned rehabilitation strategy is extensive, focusing on structural modifications, deck replacement, and essential repairs or replacements of structural steel girders, along with substructure rehabilitation.
Stantec has been awarded a contract for Section 4 valued at C$24 million, illustrating the scale and importance of this undertaking.
Stantec’s Established Relationship with Toronto
Stantec's history with the City of Toronto is extensive, particularly concerning the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Plan. The firm has effectively managed various projects, including ongoing work on Section 2 deck replacement from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, alongside contract administration for Section 1 from Jarvis Street to Cherry Street. Moreover, they have also engaged in preliminary designs for Section 5 reaching from Cherry Street to the Don Valley Parkway.
As noted by Jim Weir, Stantec’s transportation regional growth leader for Canada, “Our collaboration with the City of Toronto has deep roots, stretching back to 1979. We are committed to working closely to ensure the safe upgrade of Section 4 from its onset until project completion.”
Impactful Transportation Projects in Greater Toronto
Stantec has significantly contributed to several major transportation projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Noteworthy initiatives include key roles in the Toronto Subway Program, the Ontario Line, and the Hazel McCallion Line, among others. The firm has also provided strategic services for pivotal projects such as the Waterfront East Light Rail Transit Extension and the rehabilitation of 63 bridges within the city.
About Stantec
Stantec is dedicated to empowering clients and communities to effectively address some of the world’s greatest challenges. The firm operates globally in the fields of sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting. Stantec’s diverse team of professionals delivers innovative solutions, utilizing advanced technology and expertise to tackle aging infrastructure concerns, demographic shifts, and the broader energy transition.
More than just a firm, Stantec embodies rich community values, fostering relationships with all stakeholders involved—from project teams and colleagues to clients and the community members affected by their work. This commitment inspires Stantec to address critical issues such as climate change and to innovate solutions that future-proof cities and infrastructure.
Anyone interested in Stantec’s mobility-focused projects can learn more by visiting their website. The firm is publicly traded under the ticker symbol STN on both the TSX and NYSE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project?
The project aims to rehabilitate 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway and improve numerous structural elements including bridge spans and ramps.
How does Stantec support Toronto in this initiative?
Stantec provides multidisciplinary engineering services for the project, including planning, procurement, and post-construction consulting.
What inspired the rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway?
The expressway's deterioration due to age, heavy use, and environmental impacts necessitated a comprehensive multiyear rehabilitation to extend its operational lifespan.
How has Stantec previously contributed to transportation projects in Toronto?
Stantec has successfully managed previous sections of the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation as well as several other major transit projects across the city.
Where can I find more information about Stantec’s projects?
Detailed insights and updates about Stantec's projects are available on their official website and social media platforms.
