Construction-plagued Toronto intersection that just reopened already needs redesign

A major intersection in Toronto that only recently emerged from nearly a decade of lane closures and construction is already preparing for another overhaul, as consistent, bumper-to-bumper traffic continues to frustrate both drivers and residents. 

The City of Toronto is examining long-term redesign options for the intersection of Eglinton Avenue West and the Allen Road expressway, with the goal of improving traffic flow at the busy junction as well as across surrounding streets. 

Before 2014, the intersection featured a three-lane northbound on-ramp; however, in the decade that followed, the intersection faced long-term lane closures thanks to the delay-plagued construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. 

In May 2023, Metrolinx finally reopened the intersection with a new design, featuring alternating dual eastbound left-turn lanes and dual westbound right-turn lanes, plus pedestrian crosswalks on the north and east sides. 

Still, despite subsequent tweaks by the City to signal timing and other operation changes, congestion has remained a persistent issue, with many drivers opting to divert onto residential streets in an effort to bypass delays at the intersection. 

City staff previously explored short-term fixes in 2024, with the most immediate changes having already been made. Last year, City Council directed the General Manager of Transportation Services to launch a comprehensive study into redesign options for the intersection.

The study, which is now underway, is examining a range of potential options, including the addition of a pedestrian bridge or tunnel and expanding the mouth of the Allen Road expressway on-ramp. 

According to city documents submitted to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, the study will analyze both the intersection itself (designated as the "primary study area") as well as surrounding neighbourhood streets, which make up the "secondary study area." 

Some improvements mentioned in the report have already been fast-tracked. For example, City staff worked with the TTC and Metrolinx to expedite the opening of the Cedarvale station entrances ahead of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT's operation, which allowed pedestrians to access Eglinton West Station and travel along the north side of Eglinton Avenue West without crossing the Allen Road expressway on-ramps.

City staff say they are continuing to engage with local councillors and residents, with public consultations scheduled for this May and June. Staff are set to report back on the preferred intersection redesign in early 2027.