New Hwy. 401 construction expected to frustrate GTA drivers until 2025

Drivers on the westbound 401 will have to get used to the major delays that have plagued the commute the last couple of days. A stretch of the westbound 401 express that has been reduced to just two lanes will be under construction until 2025.

Right now, the express lanes just before Avenue Road go from four lanes to two – with the two right lanes leading into the transfer to collectors, and two left lanes continuing in the express. This is currently in place until just before the Allen Expressway, then between the Allen and Keele Street it goes to three lanes. This is set to extend a little further to Jane Street, just before Highway 400.

Last week the northbound Allen ramp to the westbound 401 express was closed, with traffic forced to take the ramp to the collectors instead.

The work is similar to other long-term construction on the 401 – road reconstruction, repaving, and bridge and tunnel maintenance. Crews will be doing work at the overpasses and underpasses at Wilson, Bathurst, Dufferin and the CNR bridge east of Keele. The same work was happening in the eastbound lanes of the highway for about three years, and wrapped up earlier this year.

The restrictions won’t be here all year long. When the weather starts getting colder, crews will shut down construction and reopen the lanes. Then once things start warming up in the spring, the restrictions will be back.