Toronto intersection just reopened after years already facing redesign

A major Toronto intersection that only recently reopened after years of disruption is once again under review, as the City explores long-term changes to address its constant congestion.

In updated project materials released last week, the City outlines several potential improvements to the Eglinton Avenue West and Allen Road intersection, including a pedestrian and cycling bridge, a Cedarvale Station tunnel and south side cycle track, a diagonal crossing, an eastbound interchange, and a roundabout.

The primary area, which will be included in the intersection redesign, includes the entire Eglinton Avenue West and Allen Road intersection, plus the 400 metres north along the Allen Road ramps.

The secondary area, which includes neighbouring streets, will be analyzed for traffic patterns and serve as the focus of the city's mobility strategy.

Originally, the Allen Road Expressway was planned as part of the Spadina Expressway to connect the north end of Toronto to downtown; however, the project was cancelled in the early 1970s after heavy public criticism, which is why Allen Road now ends at Eglinton Avenue West.

Before 2014, the intersection had a three-lane northbound on-ramp. Between 2014 and 2024, the intersection faced lengthy lane closures to make way for the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

In 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, the City notes that the "current traffic demand exceeds the capacity of the intersection, particularly at the Allen Road on-ramp," especially during peak hours, which often spills over to neighbouring streets.

Since the intersection reopened, the City has made adjustments to signal timing to address some of the gridlock, but even with these changes, traffic continues to dominate the area. With the recent opening of Cedarvale Station, pedestrians also now have another way to cross Allen Road, but the tunnel is only open when the TTC is running.

By late 2026 to early 2027, the City hopes to conduct a detailed evaluation of short-listed design options and collect more public feedback. By 2027, the preferred redesign option will likely be identified, and the neighbourhood mobility strategy will be finalized.

Local residents and those who regularly commute through the area are invited to provide their feedback on the Eglinton & Allen Intersection Study and intersection redesign in a separate survey by June 14.