Marathon, Festival Force Weekend Road Closures
Posted September 23, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Fall Sundays are typically synonymous with sleeping late and taking it easy. But for more than 10,000 people in Toronto, this Sunday will be anything but a day of rest.
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is just one of several events in the downtown core that will have crowds out on the street and drivers wishing they weren’t.
“We’re expecting over 10,000 runners and there are more than 30 countries represented from around the world,” said Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s Dana Allen.
Lakeshore Blvd. will be closed from Don Roadway to Windermere Ave. and from Leslie to Queen Sts for the marathon. Wellington St. West will also be closed from John and Bay Sts.
The Word on the Street Festival will also have people out, closing things down on Queen’s Park Circle from Bloor St. West to Wellesley St. West.
Even the preparations had roads closing on Saturday, meaning commuters were well on their way to frustration, and all before the events even began.
“I don’t really mind, except it’s taking an awful long time to get home,” said one woman stuck in traffic.
Others weren’t so patient.
“This is a waste of time,” said another disgruntled driver.
Of course the best way to avoid traffic headaches altogether is to stick to public transit, at least for Sunday’s madness. Things will be back to normal in time for the Monday morning commute.
